Students visit CQ for a lesson in natural resource management

Posted on July 9th, 2019

A group of 25 budding environmental scientists from the University of Queensland have toured regional Queensland, making a pit stop in Emerald to learn more about local issues affecting natural resource management.
Fitzroy Basin Association’s (FBA) Senior Land Management Officer Bernie Claussen was on hand to discuss the unique challenges presented in one of the Earth’s most variable climates.
“Every time I go out on property and help to plan infrastructure, I discuss with the owner any opportunities to preserve natural vegetation, and thus, conserve habitat,” she said.
“The conservation of habitat is of primary importance to conserve whole ecosystems.”
The University of Queensland students are in their final year of study, travelling for a week across the Sunshine State to learn firsthand the challenges which present themselves in natural resource management in varying climates and communities across the Fitzroy region.
Bernie was joined by Hugo Spooner from Avocet – a grazing property actively involved in conservation efforts for the endangered Bridled Nail tail Wallaby, Darryl Black – who shared his indigenous knowledge of the local area and of stone artefacts and Fiona Moloney – the Senior Environmental Advisor for Sojitz (Minerva Mine).
Combined, these presenters covered natural resource management in the Fitzroy, representing the region’s largest industries of grazing and mining.
The students will embark upon their careers in environmental management in the coming months. With the firsthand experience of having visited CQ and the opportunity to probe field experts, it is hoped the message of natural resource management in the country’s biggest beef producing region and also the largest river system draining into the Great Barrier Reef, will inspire these students in their career – and work towards a more sustainable future for us all.