ANNUAL REPORT
GULF SAVANNAH NRM
20222023
Message from the Chair Dear friends, partners and supporters, On behalf of the board, I am pleased to present the 2022–2023 annual report highlighting our achievements over the past year. The finalisation of the 10-year Natural Resource Management (NRM) plan for the Northern Gulf Region has been a huge accomplishment for the team. The document sets out a strong vision and priorities for the Northern Gulf, to protect our natural and community assets into the future. Representing the environment and the community interests remains the core focus of our work. We work to build community and industry partnerships to leverage investors for funding to be used for the management of the region’s important and unique natural assets. These collaborations and funding opportunities are also used to build skills and knowledge within our communities. This report provides some exciting updates on some of the important partnerships we have been growing. Thanks to Chief Executive, Zoe Williams for leading the team through a range of programs aimed at increasing collaboration and authentic partnerships. These bring additional resources and value to the community. In June 2023 we reached the end of our five year (2018-2023) funding agreement with the Commonwealth Government; and at the time of writing this report, our organisation (along with most other NRM organisation across the nation) remain uncertain as to the project priorities they are keen to support. We expect that it may take several months yet to fully resolve, given the business in the Commonwealth Environment Department implementing reforms in the national environmental legislation and developing the framework for the highly anticipated Nature Repair bill. NRM Regions Queensland and NRM Regions Australia (which we are members of) have been providing advocacy and making representations to the department, and they assure us the issue is purely about timing and process, and that contract negotiations will commence in good faith soon.
This has caused some level of uncertainty. Nonetheless, the board has been able to approve a work plan and budget for the upcoming year that continues to deliver meaningful projects across the region. This is possible because we have purposely sought to diversify our funding portfolio and able to maintain most of our capacity. I would like to extend my appreciation to my fellow Board of Directors for their valued contributions and support throughout the year. Anne Clarke was successfully renominated as a Director for another three-year term; and I personally valued the level of certainty this provided the organisation, and for Anne to continue the terrific work re-igniting our public fund. Thanks also to Nick Hardy, Kate Eden and Chris Cocklin for leading our other subcommittees. Collectively, the skills, experience and strong leadership these people bring to our team are terrific assets. Thanks to our Independent Selection Panel members, headed up by Russell Boswell from Savannah Guides, in leading the director recruitment processes. We were sad to farewell Bob Frazer in his role as company secretary. Formerly CEO of Burdekin Dry Tropics NRM and inaugural CEO of Cape York NRM, we were blessed to benefit from his skills, experience and mentoring he brings to the role. We have continued to evolve and grow and re-engineer our foundations so that we are able to get on with the important business of delivering on ground natural resource management. We can only do this with the collaboration and support of our partners, sponsors, industry, local government, the research community, indigenous organisation and Landcare groups. We extend our thanks and respect to you all for committing to a shared future. We are owned and directed by the people of the Gulf Savannah region. We work for living landscapes that support livelihoods. We would not be here without you. Our community’s support is an essential element in ensuring the success we have working as an NRM group in the Northern Gulf region. To those of you that have contributed by hosting field days on your property, attending workshops and meetings or helping with project planning and delivery, we express our sincere gratitude. I look forward to working with you to deliver better natural resource management across our region. Ellen Weber Chair, Gulf Savannah NRM
Sustainability Strategy As we see a growing interest in Corporate ESG (environmental, social and governance), and new national and international frameworks being developed for companies to report on their climate and nature related impacts, its timely to continue to reflect on our organisations own sustainability agenda. Gulf Savannah NRM’s Sustainability Strategy is our way of ensuring we “walk the talk”. It’s an ambitious plan to improve the sustainability of the organisation over time as we continue to meet the challenges of operating a business in a constrained fiscal environment. Our Strategy is based on the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, representing a truly international approach, and reflecting our intention to “think global and act local”.
2023 SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN ACHEIVEMENTS Continue to deliver both formal and informal training and education opportunities
Delivering Gulf Kids Environment days for remote schools
Worm-farming and composting workshops and demonstrations
Providing traineeships to support local employment
Supporting improved habitat for crucial pollinator insect populations through plantings and integrated pest management workshops
Our partnership with the Tropical North Queensland Drought Hub supports rural communities and industry to tackle climate challenges
Supporting rural mental health through activities such as Savannah Bash and mental health first aid training for staff
We’ve began the transition to a low carbon future with the purchase of two hybrid vehicles
Supporting First Nations people to deliver on their aspirations, including supporting Indigenous Ranger programs
Our newly released NRM Plan links directly to the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals
Board Report DIRECTORS
TERM START
TERM END
ELIGIBLE MEETINGS
ATTENDED
Ellen Weber
19/11/2020
2023*
14
14
Anne Clarke
26/11/2022
2025*
14
14
Kate Eden
19/11/2020
2023*
14
14
Nick Hardy
25/11/2021
2024*
14
14
Chris Cocklin
24/11/2022
2025*
9
9
Bood Hickson
25/11/2021
14/08/2022
1
1
*eligible to reapply for another term
NQNRM Alliance In the spirit of collaboration and with collective goodwill, the three members of the NQ NRM Alliance (Cape York NRM, Gulf Savannah NRM and Terrain NRM) have agreed to conclude the current corporate based Alliance model and adopt a new model. This new model will allow the members to continue working together under a Memorandum of Understanding and adopt the core principles of knowledge sharing, advocacy, collaboration, cooperation and responding jointly to regional issues. Ellen Weber Interim Chair, NQ NRM Alliance
Nick Hardy Gulf Savannah NRM Delegate, NQ NRM Alliance
Northern Gulf Public Fund Anyone can support the work of Gulf Savannah NRM by becoming a donor. We’re a registered charity and not-for-profit company. Your tax-deductible donation to the Northern Gulf Public Fund will support our projects for people and communities across the Gulf region. In 2023 Gulf Savannah NRM partnered with Tagalaka Aboriginal Corporation to investigate reports of a decline in freshwater turtle populations across Tagalaka country. With a generous donation from the Wettenhall Foundation we were able to undertake an initial scoping study which revealed significant pig impacts on wetlands. This resulted in an invitation to present to the Australian Environmental Grantmakers Network, whose members made additional donations to continue the work. If you would like to support this project and others like it, please visit our website to make a donation.
Directors’ updates Anne Clarke This year, apart from working with our board on Gulf Savannah NRM’s strategic issues such as the 2023-33 NRM Plan and positioning the organisation for the next phase of Natural Heritage Trust Funding, I’ve had the honour of re-invigorating the Gulf Savannah NRM’s Public Fund committee as its chair. Its been quite exciting working through how the Public Fund can diversify our project funding streams through attracting tax free donations. We have a very experienced and dedicated Public Fund committee made up of Mareeba Councillor (Lenore Wyatt) , DAF business consultant (Greg Mason) and long serving director and past GSNRM Chair (Rikki Gunn) to help select Public Fund projects from open source applications, where Public Fund support requires projects address our Constitution’s environmental objectives i.e. be for the protection and enhancement of the natural environment, or for a significant aspect of the natural environment; or for the provision of information or education, of the carrying on of research, about the natural environment or a significant aspect of the natural environment. Our website sets out how to donate and I’ll always be happy to chat with any persons or entities looking for a practical way to support the health of our communities, ecosystems and industries as well as attract a tax break
Nick Hardy The past year has presented both challenges and opportunities for the Board and the organisation. The Board has continued to be “forward looking” through the adoption of the 2023-2033 NRM Plan and by providing direction for the Corporate Plan. Both documents will position the organisation well for the future. Zoe and her committed team did outstanding work in preparing the application for Commonwealth funding and the selection of the organisation as the preferred tenderer, reflects our organisation’s ability to be innovative and deliver locally based services and solutions. In my role as the delegate to the NQ NRM Alliance, I have been able to represent the organisation in developing a new Alliance model. This model will be “refined” during the coming year. It has been a rewarding experience to work with the other Directors in representing the interests and values of the Gulf Community.
Kate Eden It is all very well to know you are facing a major funding gap and to be well prepared for it. However, it’s another thing to actually experience it. Uncertainty is always stressful, especially if it is prolonged. Nevertheless, this kind of anxiety cycle is normal in the NRM world. It’s why we have consciously built a resilient organisation. Hats off to staff who have really endured the pressure. The board has been doing special strategy meetings as well as our normal governance work. It is vital to keep re-imagining the future, whilst at the same time continually responding to what’s emerging. The board has been working well together, with a comprehensive range of skills and mutual respect. As the delegate to the financial committee, I’m thrilled we’ve achieved a balanced budget that remains forward-looking while sensibly managing risk.
Emeritus Professor Chris Cocklin I joined the Gulf Savannah NRM Board in late 2022. The opportunity to become a member of the Board provided an outstanding opportunity to continue my long-standing interests in both natural resources management and organisational governance. In my first year I have enjoyed the opportunity to work with the other members of the Board and to get to know members of the staff. Based on my experience, members of the organisation and other stakeholders can be assured that Gulf Savannah NRM exemplifies good management practices and strong governance. During 2023 there have been a couple of significant issues that have been matters of focus for the Board. One has been the application for Federal funding to support regional NRM. This has involved a great deal of work for management and staff, as well as the involvement and support of the Board in relation to key decisions. I applaud the excellent efforts of the staff who worked on the application. The other matter of focus for the Board has been the development of a new strategic plan for the organisation. During 2023 the Board was also pleased to sign off on the 2023-33 10-year Natural Resource Management (NRM) Plan for the Northern Gulf region, another project that has involved considerable work by members of staff. With the new NRM Plan in place and a new Strategic Plan in preparation I look forward to working with my fellow Board members and the staff of Gulf Savannah NRM through 2024 and beyond.
CEO’s Message As I write this year’s message I am surrounded by the smoke haze from the terrible start to the fire season. It’s a timely reminder that our climate is changing, that the challenges that face our communities and primary producers are becoming more acute, and consequently, our work more important. This year we finalised the last of our project work for the 5-year Commonwealth funded Regional Land Partnerships program. I am very pleased to say that we made significant achievements through this program and were able to successfully complete the program deliverables on-time and on-budget. A major piece of work for the team at the beginning of 2023 was responding to the Commonwealth Government tender for Regional Capacity Service providers for 20232028. I am very proud of the response we submitted. It showed the depth and breadth of the work we do, and exemplified the mix of local knowledge and professionalism we have come to expect from Gulf Savannah NRM. At a strategic level the board continue to support and drive our innovation agenda. At our 2023 Annual General Meeting we will introduce our first ever Associate Directors as part of our Board Emerging Leaders Program. This program addresses a recognized organizational risk and the need to continue to grow the governance capacity in the region. The program compliments a number of statewide leadership initiatives for staff, including the NRM Regions Qld Leadership Framework, and a new mentoring program for operational staff which launches late in 2023.
We demonstrate our commitment to continuous improvement through initiatives such as these, along with our Organizational Performance Evaluation processes, our new Corporate Strategic Plan and regular reviews of our policies and procedures. While these activities may seem on the surface to be inward focused and tangential to our overall aims of improving the Natural Resorces of our region, without a strong organizational foundation we cannot do the important work we need to do. Our funding environment is becoming increasingly competitive, and our organization must demonstrate that it not only delivers strong results but also has robust processes in place. As we embark on the next five year funding cycle we will continue to build genuine partnerships, collaborate, advocate and support our communities to protect our unique landscapes and the industries that rely upon them. In this way both the region and Gulf Savannah NRM can thrive. Zoe Williams, CEO of Gulf Savannah NRM
TEAM UPDATE
Corporate Services
Denise Hinks Corporate Services Leader
This year has been another busy year. We have welcomed new staff and said farewell to others, received new funding and wrapped up quite a few projects. We have welcomed Michelle Hamilton into our Corporate Services team in September. Michelle has been in the NRM sector for eight years having been board/executive support for Cape York NRM.
Kasmin Brotherton Executive Support Officer
Michelle supports our project managers with funding applications, project budgets and expenditure and financial reporting as well as providing executive support to the CEO and Corporate Team Leader Support.
We continue to deliver traineeships under the Skilling Queenslanders for Work program and we welcomed Sandrine Pocius in March as our first trainee in our second round of funding. We will be recruiting for our next trainee in November 2023. Jacob Sturgess-Price and Taylor Blackwell successfully completed their traineeships in February. Jacob gained a wide range of skills and experience working in the field with project staff as well as administration duties and helping with fleet management. Taylor showed great interest in communications and community engagement and was able to work alongside our community partnership team. We are continually working on our systems and trying to streamline our processes. We have experienced changes in funding requirements for financial reporting and are getting prepared to make necessary changes to our financial systems to help ease the workload of funding audits and acquittals. I want to thank the Corporate Services team for always rising to a challenge with a positive, can-do attitude.
Michelle Hamilton Corporate/Executive Support
Meet your corporate team
Ella Trezise, our administration assistant, moved into a communications support role. We have welcomed Tracey Jordan as our new administration assistant. Tracey brings with her a wealth of experience in administration and has settled in well.
Tracey Jordan Administration Officer
Jacob Sturgess-Price Trainee
Well done. Taylor Blackwell Trainee
TEAM UPDATE
Agriculture This year the Agriculture team has had a few staffing changes with new programs starting, we proudly welcome new valuable team members: Drought Resilience Coordinator, with Craig Young initially in the role and then Kasmin Brotherton taking the reins; Intensive Agriculture Project Officer, Bob Stewart; and Soil Extension Officer, Oliver McConnachie. Sarah Stevens moved into a challenging new role as Sustainability Officer, Keerah Steele is now the Technical Adoption Officer with the TNQ Drought Hub and Mandy Pickering is the Rangelands Project Officer. The Soil Extension project is working with grazing, broadacre and horticulture properties in the Northern Gulf region to develop knowledge of soil attributes, structure and water, and build soil health through sustainable practices. The soil extension officer is training land managers to interpret soil test results and assess characteristics like texture and water holding capacity, to improve understanding of soil type effects on productivity. Graziers are learning how soil influences pasture growth, carrying capacity, and livestock supplementation. Broadacre and horticultural land managers are learning how soil influences crop yield and to manage limiting nutrients. This project has delivered two field days, three workshops on mapping and soils and provided on farm support for producers including soil testing. We established a number of partnerships for soil extension works and demonstrations sites through this project. This project was funded by the Australian Government’s Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment.
The successful Grazing Futures program continues this year with the delivery of business literacy and drought resilience support for extensive grazing properties in the Northern Gulf. Working in collaboration with Rural Financial Counsellors and staff from the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries this project has produced several legacy documents and visited over a dozen properties. This project is funded by the Queensland Government’s Department of Agriculture and Fisheries.
Vickie Mylrea Acting Team Leader Agriculture
Our newest agriculture project is the North Queensland Cotton, Grains and Cattle Farming Systems. This project is a part of a larger research program, aiming to co-design scalable diversification options and drought resilience practices for northern Queensland cotton, grain and cattle enterprises, and quantify the economic, social and environmental values and risks of these options. In May 2023 a co-design emersion study tour to Northern Territory and the Western Australia broadacre cropping regions was conducted with ten growers, four agronomists and two researchers attending. This project is funded by the CRC for the Developing Northern Australia.
Bob Stewart Intensive Agriculture Project Officer
Meet your agriculture team
The final agriculture project commenced last November and is the part of the Tropical North Queensland Drought Hub, this project supports a Drought Resilience Coordinator and a Technical Adoption Officer. Over 50 land managers have been engaged by the Drought Resilience Coordinator to better understand the issues and needs relating to building their resilience to drought. The Tech Adoption Officer has hit the ground running with four connectivity trials currently being delivered. This project is funded by the Commonwealth Government Future Drought Fund, and delivered in partnership with James Cook University, Cape York NRM, Southern Gulf NRM, NQ Dry Tropics, Reef Catchments and Fitzroy Basin Association.
Craig Young Drought Resilience Coordinator
Keerah Steele Rangelands Project Officer
Oliver McConnaghie Soil Extension Officer
Sarah Stevens Agriculture Project Officer
Mandy Pickering Rangelands Project Assistant
TEAM UPDATE
Environment This year has marked a significant expansion of our environment team, as we proudly welcome three new valuable team members: Biodiversity Officer, Edward Evans; Monitoring and Evaluation Project Officer, Kacie Buchanan; and M&E Project Assistant, Taylor Taylor. Throughout the year, our efforts have been focused on addressing critical environmental challenges that include biodiversity conservation, invasive pests, land condition, water quality and natural disasters. The first stage of the Turtles in Trouble project was successfully concluded this year. In collaboration with the Tagalaka Traditional Owners, the Gulf Savannah NRM team and a freshwater ecologist assessed the impact of feral pig activity on the wetlands within Littleton National Park. The focus was to investigate how this activity affected the distribution, and abundance of freshwater turtles in the area. Over the course of three days the team conducted a rapid survey of turtle habitats within the park. The two-way exchange of traditional and western scientific knowledge allowed for a rich understanding of the ecosystem and the interactions between feral pigs, wetlands, and freshwater turtle populations. This project was funded by the Queensland Government’s Department of Environment and Science.
This year marked the start of the Innovative Monitoring and Evaluation for Improved Land Condition and Emerging Market Access project. The primary objective of this project is to evaluate the state of land condition through the implementation of a comprehensive monitoring system. Additionally, the project aims to empower landholders by providing them with training on utilising land monitoring as a valuable tool to inform and enhance their management decisions. The project team achieved significant progress during this period, conducting approximately 300 land condition assessments (LCATs) and training 15 land managers in the use of mapping applications and photo monitoring techniques. This program is funded by the Queensland Government's Natural Resources Recovery Program. The Showcasing Resilient Grazing Landscapes with Better Biodiversity project has achieved significant progress during the current year. Over the past 12 months, the project has successfully completed three rounds of automated field monitoring data collection. The final and fourth data collection is scheduled for November 2023, after which the comprehensive dataset will be analysed. The primary objective of the project is to compare the levels of biodiversity between heavily grazed paddocks in poor condition and moderately grazed paddocks in better land condition. By assessing the impact of different land management practices on biodiversity, the project aims to determine whether good land management practices lead to improved biodiversity as well as productivity in the paddock. This project is funded the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority (QRIDA).
Marcus Mulholland Team Leader Environment
Taylor Taylor Program Support Officer
Meet your environment team
As the impacts of climate change become more evident, the Northern Gulf region is expected to face a rise in the frequency and severity of natural disasters. To address these challenges, two significant projects, namely Fire Smart Mareeba Shire and Resilient Futures for the Gulf, have been funded by the Australian Government. The core objectives of these projects are to enhance community preparedness and resilience to fire, flood, and cyclone occurrences throughout the region. By providing access to essential networks, resources, and comprehensive training, the projects will equip the community with the necessary tools and knowledge to respond proactively and effectively during disaster situations.
Edward Evans Biodiversity Officer
Leah Nugent Project Support Officer and Regional Agricultural Landcare Facilitator
Mahtsente Tadese GIS Officer
Kacie Buchanan Monitoring & Evaluation Project Officer
TEAM UPDATE
Community Partnerships
Sarah Rizvi Team Leader Community Partnerships
Throughout 2023 the Community Partnerships team continued to deliver a range of programs to support community engagement in NRM. We continued to produce content for our social media and website. In addition to our very popular print magazine the Gulf Croaker, we also produced monthly e-newsletters to provide updates on what’s happening at Gulf Savannah NRM and also across the Gulf region more broadly.
Natarsha Bell Indigenous Engagement Officer
With support from a Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal grant we delivered workshops ranging from backyard aquaponics and beekeeping, to worm farming and drought resilient gardening to help Croydon locals develop food selfreliance in the harsh, dry-tropical climate of the Gulf. We also held the first Savannah Bash community day, and continued to deliver the ever popular Gulf Kids Environment Day.
A major focus for 2023 was the development of a new NRM Plan, to drive NRM investment for the region into the future. The new Northern Gulf Region NRM Plan has been endorsed and is available on our website.
Meet your community team
A highlight for the year was the delivery of the Earth and Country Community Day bringing the community together to celebrate and gain an appreciation of Indigenous Landcare. Activities on offer included painting, weaving, music, storytelling and presentations about First Nations languages, land management and exciting opportunities coming up to expand Indigenous Ranger programs.
Amelia Benefield Communications Officer
Ella Trezise Communications Support
Jacy Hughes Community Engagement Officer
Wayne Young NRM Planning Officer
2023-2033
NRM Plan for the Northern Gulf During 2022-2023 Gulf Savannah NRM has worked with stakeholders and the community to develop the next 10-year Natural Resource Management (NRM) Plan for the Northern Gulf region. An NRM Plan is a big picture look at our whole region. It seeks to identify issues for natural resource management (positive and negative) right across the region and identify what we need to do to maximise the benefits for our communities. The NRM Plan addresses a simple set of questions: What natural resources do we have in our region? What is impacting these resources? What do we need to do about that, with what priority?
The consultation process included: Digital surveys for key topics. 90 meetings with approximately 220 individuals. Representation from a wide cross-section of our communities and stakeholders, including business, Traditional Custodians, grazing, agriculture, fishing, tourism, local and state governments, environmental and conservation groups, consultants and researchers.
The NRM Plan is a guidance document to support our communities to conserve the natural assets of this remarkable region. It reflects the knowledge and experience of the community, alongside that of researchers and scientists.
We have used an asset-pressure framework to describe the regions natural assets and the pressures which impact on those assets. The 2023-2033 Natural Resource Management Plan for the Northern Gulf Region is now available on our website, and printed copies can be provided on request. Thank-you to everyone who contributed to the development of the plan. Now on to the hard part - implementation!
WRAPPING UP THE
Biodiversity Bright Spots project
Golden-shouldered Parrot populations have faced significant decline across their range due to threatening factors including woody thickening and predation. It is currently estimated that only 1500 mature individuals still exist, leading to Endangered status nationally and globally. Threats include habitat degradation, predation, altered fire patterns, and loss of nesting sites.
KEY OUTCOMES 11 indigenous capacity building training workshops, including fire management, survey techniques, mapping and data acquisition. 5200 hectares of traditional/ecological burns across key GSP habitat.
Our Regional Land Partnerships Biodiversity Bright Spot program for the Golden Shouldered Parrot project and funded by the commonwealth government aimed to: Increase scientific, local and cultural knowledge of the Golden-shouldered parrot, their habitat and key threatening processes. Support the Traditional Owner-led Recovery Team to lead the recovery of the Golden-shouldered parrot across its range . Implement targeted, on-ground remediation actions to reduce threats to Goldenshouldered parrots and their habitat.
9 fauna surveys to monitor and assess the population and distribution of the species.
Since 2019, Gulf Savannah NRM, Traditional Custodians, Cape York NRM, Bush Heritage, and ecologists Steve Murphy and Gaye Crowley, worked collaboratively to safeguard this species through habitat management initiatives.
Scientific research encompassing woody vegetation thickening, feral cat behaviour, butcher bird behaviour, GSP nesting success, habitat augmentation, and potential GSP habitat modelling.
These initiatives included weed and woody thickening reduction, the exclusion of cattle from grass habitats, fire management and feral animal control. Research efforts also aimed to protect the species, tracking butcher birds and feral cats to understand their predatory behaviour.
3 flora and habitat suitability surveys. 22 kilometres of exclusion fencing to safeguard GSP habitat. 50 hectares of weed removal to improve GSP habitat. 25,610 hectares of pest animal control targeting feral pigs and cats.
A comprehensive conservation management plan was developed, providing a strategic framework to guide future GSP management initiatives. This plan serves as a roadmap for sustained conservation efforts, ensuring the continued protection and enhancement of GSP habitat.
WRAPPING UP THE
Healthy Farming Futures project Intensive agriculture in the Northern Gulf region is a significant economic driver, contributing over $72 million. However, this contribution is jeopardized by inadequate soil management, particularly as the industry expands into newer, more marginal zones. Agricultural industries of the Mareeba Dimbulah Irrigation Area, including sugar, limes, mangoes, avocados and bananas are increasingly vulnerable to a multitude of threats such as cyclones, unreliable rainfall, heightened storm intensities and increasing temperatures. These issues are exacerbated by escalating pressures from weeds, pests, and diseases. Hillslope erosion caused by water is one of the most pressing threats to soils in the Northern Gulf, and the misuse of fertilizers exacerbates soil problems like acidity, salinity, and sodicity. These issues mean the judicious management of ground cover, fertiliser and irrigation has become paramount.
Healthy Farming Futures was a five-year RLP2 funded project that focused on mitigating soil acidification, countering soil carbon decline, and tackling erosion in the Mareeba-Dimbulah Irrigation Area. To accomplish these aims, the project employed several strategies: Providing intensive individualized support to four farms each year, selected through an Expression of Interest (EOI) process. Ensuring ongoing access to agronomic technical expertise for all participating farmers. Sustaining engagement with the Healthy Soil farmer peer group network. Hosting community engagement events such as Field days, workshops, on-ground trials, and forums focused on enhancing soil health. Although effective decision-support tools to enhance resilience are available, their complexity and a lack capacity to adapt and make changes are a deterrent to adoption. This project sought to bridge this gap by furnishing farmers with credible tools, actionable information, and continual support. This approach aided in fostering adaptive capacities, elevating soil health, and enhancing whole-ofbusiness management for sustained resilience. By focusing on integrated solutions addressing the foundational causes of deteriorating soil health, the project aimed to help farmers avoid significant expenses that would otherwise be spent treating the symptoms in the long run. The comprehensive approach, spanning various agricultural industries, epitomizes a holistic strategy, ensuring healthier soils for a sustainable future.
The project delivered: 24 Farms engaged in the intensive support program that provided farmers with farm management plans 9 workshop events 6 field day attendances 56 one-on-one technical advice interactions 4 on ground trials/demonstrations 2 on ground erosion remediation works 51 communication materials published 10 Skills and Knowledge surveys 168 soil tests on-farm Addressing erosion stands as a critical priority for preserving soil health in the Northern Gulf region. The area's sandy and fragile soils face the threat of erosion during the wet season, especially on the network of tracks and roads that crisscross orchards. During the 2021-22 wet season, this happened at Manbulloo Orchard’s Hilltop Farm at Mutchilba. The tracks at the orchard were washed out so severely they became impassable, and farm manager Andrew Crebert approached Gulf Savannah NRM for advice.
Addressing erosion on smaller properties like Hilltop Farm is uniquely challenging because erosion often originates outside the property boundaries and extends beyond them. Through the Healthy Farming Futures project Gulf Savannah NRM, was able to enlist the expertise of erosion remediation specialist Darryl Hill. Nearby farming properties to participate in the on-ground remediation consultation, with four farms joining in to learn about erosion principles and gain practical experience for their own properties. The remediation works included the installation of a hundred wire and rock gabions. These served to mitigate runoff into nearby waterways and neighbouring properties, while retaining valuable soil and nutrients on the farm. This project was funded by the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program.
WRAPPING UP THE
Smart Farms Small Grants program HEALTHY FARMING SOILS 1 farm scale work farm and vermicast production system 1 introduction to farm scale forming workshop attended by 70 people 12 farmers supported to plan multispecies cover crops over 820Ha planted 2 workshops delivering micro brewing for DIY fertility for your farm with 52 people attending 10 farms supported to establish on farm micro brewing systems 1 Humisoil groundswell stack demonstration site built 2 Humisoil workshops
POWERFUL POLINATORS 1 four-part Beekeeping for Beginners workshop series 1 2-day Beekeeping for Beginners workshop 4 farms were involved in preparing pollinator habitat planting sites 14 new honeybee Beekeepers supported with subsidised Starter Kit beehives and equipment Native bee education sessions delivered to 2 local schools and 1 scout group
These projects were supported by Gulf Savannah NRM, through funding from the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program.
Financial Performance 2022-23
Image credit: Kevin Priestly
ABOUT US Gulf Savannah NRM is a non-profit natural resource management company and a registered charity, working with people and communities to create opportunities for current and future generations. Our projects help strengthen communities and industries, cultivating living landscapes to support local livelihoods. We balance social, economic, and cultural interests and maintain environmental values and healthy ecosystems. Our team works from offices in Georgetown, Croydon and Mareeba, connecting science, technology and landcare to improve productivity for farmers and graziers. We balance social, economic and cultural interests and maintain environmental values and healthy ecosystems.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY The land and waters within the Northern Gulf region include the country of Western Gugu Yalanji, Kokoberra, Kokomenjen, Kunjen, Kuku Muluridji, Djungan, Wakaman, Bar Barrum, Ewamian, Tagalaka, Kukatj, Gkuthaarn and Kurtijar people. Gulf Savannah NRM acknowledge and respects these Traditional Custodians of land and sea. We recognise the diversity of Traditional culture, and the deep and varied connections Traditional Custodians have with the land and sea within the region. We recognise caring for Country contributes to connection, participation and overall health of people and Country. We recognise the expertise, knowledge, historical and cultural connection of Traditional Custodians and are committed to partnering with them and following their lead. We pay our respects to Elders, past and present, and emerging leaders. We acknowledge and recognize the primacy of Traditional Custodians’ obligations, rights and responsibilities to use and care for their Traditional lands and waters.
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