Gulf Croaker Summer 2025

Saving Threatened Species pg. 6–8

Tagalaka Rangers On Country pg. 10–12

The Gulf Savannah Story pg. 22–23

Sarah received a Starlink system as part of our project to improve internet connectivity.

CEO Zoe filmin Nature Positive g for the Global Summit in Sydne y.

Thanks to everyone who the Gulf Savannah G came to ra Forum in Georgetow zing n.

calendars?

Did you get one of our 2025s throughout It sets out key decision date the season.

The Neighbour Day at Coralie Station, near Croydon, focused on improving land condition.

Our Bush Business Boot Camp — supporting rural women to start their own businesses.

op What a tree-mendous worksh at Lake Barrine for our silvopasture project.

GOOD TIMES IN THE GULF

Thank you to everyone who has joined Gulf Savannah NRM for events, workshops and field days in the last few months — here are a few of our favourite highlights!

A WARM HELLO FROM THE CEO

16

In our first edition of 2025 we are bringing you up to date with a four-year initiative to safeguard some of the most vulnerable species in our region. Work is underway to protect iconic animals including the northern quoll and northern bettong from threats including feral predators and altered fire regimes.

We're also excited to tell you about the new Tagalaka Ranger team, and the culmination of our regional oral history project, The Gulf Savannah Story. Wishing you all the best for 2025!

Rock Stars Boost Soils

18

Zoe Williams CEO Gulf Savannah NRM

ABOUT GULF SAVANNAH NRM We're a not-for-profit organisation working to promote healthy landscapes while supporting local people and enterprise. Come say hi at our offices in Georgetown, Croydon, and Mareeba.

Stay up to date with our monthly newsletter — subscribe at bit.ly/gsnrm-news.

gulfsavannahnrm.org

Leaders of the Future

26

4092 1088 admin@gulfsavannahnrm.org

Front cover photo: Northern spotted velvet gecko Oedura coggeri. Credit: Edward Evans.

The Season Ahead

THANKS MSC! Thanks to Mareeba Shire Council for coming to the rescue after an intense storm impacted Mareeba on Tuesday 17 December. Several cars were hit by uprooted trees, but as soon as the rain passed, crews were on hand to cut the vehicles free!

KOWANYAMA

MAREEBA KARUMBA NORMANTON GEORGETOWN

G'DAY GULF: ABOUT OUR REGION 04

TOP TOURISM YEAR After being named a Top Tiny Tourism Town finalist, Croydon experienced a big increase in tourism during 2024. Over 8,300 visitors passed through the Visitor Information Centre last year.

Make sure to take a free guided heritage walking tour when you visit—starting again in March 2025.

Source: Croydon Bush Telegraph.

9,660 people live in the Northern Gulf

GULF SAVANNAH

ROUND UP

BUMPER BARRA SEASON

ABC News reported commercial Gulf fishers were having their best ever barramundi catches following bumper wet seasons. Rivers full of nutrients have been flowing into the Gulf of Carpentaria leading to an abundance of seafood.

PRAISE FOR BRIDGE REPAIRS Congratulations to Etheridge Shire Council on their nomination for the Local Government Managers Association Excellence in Teamwork award for their project to repair the Routh Creek Bridge. The bridge sustained significant flood damage in January 2024—but it took crews just nine days to reopen it.

RAIL TRAIL LINK UP Mareeba Shire and Tablelands residents have celebrated the joining of the Atherton Tablelands Rail Trail. Cyclists, walkers, runners, and horse riders can now experience the 35km trail from Hasties Swamp National Park, south of Atherton, to McIver Road in Mareeba.

88% land use is grazing on native pasture

The area is 196,100 square kilometres

Over 196 reptile, 455 bird and 118 mammal species live here 05

Symbols courtesy NESP Resilient Landscapes Hub, nesplandscapes.edu.au

Northern greater glider Credit: Edward Evans

06

Home to some of the world’s most intact savannahs, areas of wet tropical rainforest, and tidal wetlands, the Northern Gulf region supports a unique range of plant and animal life.

However, this rich diversity faces significant challenges. More than 125 species in the region are recorded as being under threat, with population declines driven by factors such as altered fire regimes, grazing pressure, climate change, and the impacts of feral cats and pigs.

To address this, Gulf Savannah NRM is spearheading efforts to improve habitat and reduce threats at key sites in Mareeba Shire— including Mareeba Tropical Savanna and Wetland Reserve, Brooklyn Wildlife Sanctuary, and Mount Spurgeon and Mount Lewis National Parks.

One of the initiatives focuses solely on protecting the endangered northern quoll in the Einasleigh Uplands Bioregion.

Northern quoll

‘Northern quolls are fighting for their survival, with feral cat predation made worse by invasive weeds like gamba grass,’ Zoe Williams, GSNRM CEO, said.

‘These weeds fuel intense bushfires that can destroy den sites, diminish food sources, and strip away crucial cover, leaving northern quolls more exposed to predators.’

Working with Australian Wildlife Conservancy, more than 60 camera traps have been set up to monitor quoll abundance and distribution at the wetland reserve. At Brooklyn Wildlife Sanctuary, cameras are tracking feral cat activity.

Project lead, Dr Ed Evans, stressed the importance of habitat restoration.

‘Initially, northern quoll numbers dropped dramatically when cane toads spread through northern Australia,’ Ed said. ‘Other pressures, including predation by feral introduced predators, have continued the decline—resulting in a 75% contraction of their range in Queensland.’

By joining forces with Traditional Custodians, land managers, and key partners like Forever Wild, northern quoll recovery will be supported through targeted weed management, predator control, and strategic burns.

Camera trap set up for monitoring

Overall, the project aims to reduce gamba grass density across 200ha, implement a feral cat management strategy, and conduct planned burns over 400ha.

07

Northern bettong

Lantana at Mount Spurgeon

A second project, in collaboration with partners including Western Yalanji Aboriginal Corporation and Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, aims to improve habitat condition in the Eastern Forests of Far North Queensland.

‘The armoured mistfrog’s population declined sharply because of a disease called chytridiomycosis,’ Ed said. ‘Reducing pig activity may lower the risk of new disease strains impacting this fragile population.’

Activities will target the wet sclerophyll zone between dry open woodland and the western edge of World Heritage Wet Tropics rainforest on the Mount Carbine Tableland. This area provides refuge for species like the northern bettong, yellow-bellied glider, and northern greater glider, all of which face threats from feral cats and pigs.

Both initiatives are continuing to progress, and updates will be shared on GSNRM’s social media channels, newsletters, and in the Gulf Croaker.

‘By using thermal technology and remotely operated pig traps, we aim to reduce these dangers and restore critical habitats,’ Marcus Mulholland, Regional Delivery Partners Program Manager, said. ‘We have 30 cameras set up on Mount Spurgeon monitoring cat and pig numbers.’

The initiative will also tackle up to 40ha of lantana infestations and promote the regrowth of native grasses, crucial to restoring the ecological balance of the region’s wet eucalypt forests.

‘Lantana is a major threat to wet sclerophyll habitats,’ Dr Ed Evans explained. ‘It shades out the grassy understorey which reduces the availability of food sources, such as cockatoo grass tubers and truffles for northern bettongs, and impedes fire required to maintain the environment.’

Feral pig control efforts will cover around 4000ha and also support broader conservation goals, including protecting the critically endangered armoured mistfrog (Litoria lorica). This frog is only known to exist in three small subpopulations in the Wet Tropics.

08

These projects are funded by the Australian Government Natural Heritage Trust and the Saving Native Species program delivered by Gulf Savannah NRM, a member of the Commonwealth Regional Delivery Partners panel.

SPECIES SPOTLIGHT Northern bettong (Bettongia tropica) Conservation status: Endangered.

Population numbers have declined significantly over recent decades. The surviving population in the wild is estimated to be around 1000 animals.

Northern quoll (Dasyurus hallucatus) Conservation status: Endangered.

The smallest of the four Australian quoll species. They have reddish-brown fur, cream underside, white spots on their backs and rumps, a blackish tail, and pointed snout.

Northern greater glider (Petauroides minor) Conservation status: Vulnerable.

The largest gliding possum in northeastern Australia, weighing up to 1.1kg.

The Wooleen Way A remarkable memoir detailing a heroic and unswerving commitment to renew the severely degraded land on Wooleen, a massive pastoral property in Western Australia’s southern rangelands. Through retelling the struggle of his family, David Pollock exposes the modern day realities of managing a remote outback station. Forced by a sense of moral responsibility, he set out on an uncharted course to restore the 153,000ha of degraded land that he felt he was obliged to manage on behalf of the Australian people.

Muster Dogs: Where Are They Now DOCUMENTARY | FIND IT ON ABC IVIEW

LISTEN WATCH READ

DAVID POLLOCK

Following the runaway success of Muster Dogs, here's your chance to check in on the human and canine stars to delve a little deeper into their lives and see what they've been up to since they competed to be crowned Champion Muster Dog. Lisa Millar embarks on a nationwide journey to reconnect with the outstanding dogs and their dedicated owners featured in series 1 and 2.

Life On The Land PODCAST | GRAZIHER MAGAZINE

Life on the Land podcast, from the Graziher magazine, tells stories of women who live in rural, regional, and remote Australia. Hear from farmers, mothers, photographers, business owners as well as teachers, nurses and doctors.

Hear from women who have moved to the country and who have moved out of the country. Join hosts Emily Herbert and Sammie O'Brien, as they speak to women from all over Australia.

09

RANGERS FLYING HIGH

The Tagalaka Ranger team is back working on Country.

Ranger Johnathon Miles remotely piloting a drone

On Wednesday 3 July 2024 a historic ceremony marked the renaming of Littleton National Park, near Croydon, to Tagalaka National Park.

‘The renaming continues to recognise the Tagalaka People as the Traditional Custodians of the country in which this National Park is situated,’ Alfred Owens, Tagalaka Aboriginal Corporation General Manager, said.

This celebration of the Tagalaka People’s connection to the land extended beyond the renaming, as July also marked the launch of the new Tagalaka Ranger team—to support the preservation of the environmental and cultural values of Tagalaka Country, including the National Park.

Gulf Savannah NRM collaborated with Tagalaka Aboriginal Corporation to establish the team, initially appointing three Rangers and a Ranger Coordinator under the Queensland Government’s Indigenous Land and Sea Ranger Program.

Since then, Ranger Coordinator Edmond Busch has been equipping his team with essential skills through various training programs.

‘By building the skills and capabilities of the team, we are supporting our work on Country,’ Edmond said. ‘Our team needs to be versatile, combining traditional and modern knowledge to manage the land and support Tagalaka People getting back on Country.’

He added, ‘We’re also building partnerships with station owners and local councils to work together and improve the land for everyone.’

Tagalaka and Ewamian ranger teams

The training has included a chainsaw masterclass, a 4WD refresher, and drone lessons led by GSNRM’s qualified remote pilot Taylor Taylor. The team explored how drones can assist with tasks like mapping weeds and assessing remediation works—and now one of the Rangers will work towards becoming a qualified operator.

GSNRM’s Taylor leading a drone session

The team also paid a visit to the Ewamian Rangers at Talaroo Station to learn about the work they do.

This included a walk-through of an area that is set for remediation work to protect a cultural site, and

11

gaining knowledge about water testing from the TropWATER team at James Cook University.

Looking ahead, Edmond and Rangers Jamie Lee Richardson and Johnathon Miles are focusing on key, culturally significant conservation projects.

‘We are working on initiatives to protect the remaining endangered red goshawks, as well as our traditional totem animal, the water goanna, as we are concerned their numbers are declining,’ Edmond explained. ‘Alongside station owners, we'll address areas of woody thickening to enable future sustainable grazing.’

The team is also advancing the ongoing Turtles in Trouble project. This year, they plan to construct a

turtle-friendly fence to protect the habitat of the northern snake-necked turtle from pigs and cattle.

With their dedication and growing expertise, the Tagalaka Rangers are shaping a stronger future for their Country, ensuring that these initiatives leave a lasting legacy.

Keep up to date with the work of the Tagalaka Ranger team, along with rangers from across the region, in our Gulf Walk-About magazine available at gulfsavannahnrm.org.

Surveying for the Turtles in Trouble project

Natarsha Bell is Gulf Savannah NRM’s Indigenous Partnership Officer.

Tell us a bit about where you come from.

I was born in Brisbane and lived there until I was six before moving to Albury, NSW, where I completed high school. I then attended university in Melbourne (RMIT) and continued my studies in Perth. Looking back, the rest of Australia served as my training ground, so when I finally came home, I could support my mob here in the Gulf.

What made you want to work with Gulf Savannah NRM? I met Vicki Mylrea, a GSNRM project officer, when I returned to Cairns in 2015. She had been doing some exciting work with the Bama groups. So when an opportunity came up at GSNRM, it made perfect sense to put my education into action and to support country and bama.

What do you enjoy about your role?

I love watching the groups achieve their goals and better their community and mob. For me, life is about sharing both highs and lows with people, it's about building good relationships and staying strong together.

If you had the time?

I would definitely spend my day painting or crafting! I’m not great at relaxing—I prefer staying busy and learning new things.

Where’s your happy place?

Anywhere my family and pets are! They keep me grounded and busy. I have two teenage daughters, four dogs and three cats—not forgetting my hubby!

If you had a superpower, what would it be?

My kids already think I have black magic! I would like to be able to both speak and understand every language on earth.

13

Carpentaria Shire Severe weather in Queensland can hit unexpectedly, and being ready is key to a quicker recovery. Visit Get Ready Queensland (getready.qld.gov.au/plan) to create your emergency plan and ensure the safety of yourself, your family, and those in your care.

Carpentaria Shire Council’s Disaster Dashboard is where you find local information before, during, and after extreme weather, like storms and floods. It has essential information including road conditions, power outages, emergency contacts, river heights, and fire bans. Visit disaster.carpentaria.qld.gov.au.

Etheridge Shire Etheridge Shire Council is happy to report that the Growing Our Regions funding has been approved, and works will commence late in the first quarter of 2025.

One of the projects will be enhancing the birdwatching facilities at Cumberland Dam—some 20km west of Georgetown. As a stopover for migratory species, Cumberland Dam offers a fantastic opportunity for the twitching fraternity to photograph and study these birds in a natural environment. Proposed works include boardwalks, elevated hides, and access trails to complement the aesthetics of the natural environment and landscape.

YOUR LOCAL COUNCIL

The sorry saga of the fishway as part of the construction of the Charleston Dam continues to bother Council, with numerous attempts to rectify the situation over the last four years. After the initial construction was completed, it was totally demolished by the first overflow onslaught and has continued to throw up challenges because of the shifting nature of the flow path throughout the spillway channel.

It is hoped that 2025 will see the finished product and a fit-for-purpose piece of infrastructure installed.

A happy new year from all in Etheridge Shire!

Mareeba Shire The third year of Mareeba Shire Council’s Public Mural Action Plan has kicked off with a vibrant new mural at Geraghty Park Hall in Julatten.

Artist Lavinia Letheby hosted a community painting session and has brought her creative touch to the hall with artwork featuring the stunning birds and animals of the area. The mural was delivered through the Regional Arts Development Fund—a partnership between Council and Queensland Government to support local arts and culture.

The countdown is on for the iconic Mareeba & Dimbulah Community Bank Great Wheelbarrow Race 2025. In the late 1800s, miners often travelled the region with their families using a wheelbarrow to carry all their possessions and the race is a tribute to these early pioneers.

Teams follow the 140km Wheelbarrow Way through rich farmlands and wooded Savannah country, starting on Friday 9 May in Mareeba and concluding on Sunday 11 May in Chillagoe.

Visit www.greatwheelbarrowrace.com for more information and to register.

Finally, Council supports Mareeba Shire Tourism, the Local Tourism Organisation which promotes the visitor experience in the Shire. To keep up to date with opportunities and events, join the Mareeba Shire Tourism Facebook group and use #LoveMareebaShire while exploring the Shire!

Croydon Shire

The Croydon Christmas markets were a festive success, drawing visitors from near and far.

The event showcased the creativity of local artisans selling unique handmade goods, alongside food stalls offering delicious treats like sausage sizzles, pork belly, and an array of sweets. The evening was filled with community spirit, good food, and holiday cheer.

December also brought a dazzling display of festive spirit to Croydon with the annual Christmas Lights Competition. The town was lit up with vibrant colours as streetlamps were transformed with festive decorations. Homes and businesses joined the celebration, creating stunning light displays and themed decorations. Winners of the competition received prizes for their fantastic efforts.

Australia Day was celebrated in Croydon with a hearty breakfast, plenty of great food, and a fun game of cricket. The day was also a time to recognise the incredible contributions of community members, with awards honouring those who have gone above and beyond for Croydon.

Exciting news! Croydon's gym is set to open soon, providing the community with access to fitness equipment and a new opportunity to stay active. We can’t wait to see a stronger, healthier Croydon in 2025!

15

Credit:James Cook University

Scientists are launching a four-year project to test if a process known as enhanced rock weathering can offer a sustainable solution to agricultural and environmental challenges.

James Cook University (JCU) researchers are part of a team working to combat Australia’s chronic soil infertility problem with a technique involving sowing paddocks with crushed rock.

Associate Professor Paul Nelson is a soil scientist at JCU. He said Australia’s soils are generally highly weathered and infertile, which constrains crop production and carbon storage.

'Our best soils, which are quite scarce, are developed on basalt, so our project will take crushed basalt - a by-product of gravel manufacture - and apply it to soil. This is a way of making poor soils more like those good soils,' Dr Nelson said.

'This involves the carbon solidifying in the soil as carbonate or leaching to groundwater, rivers, and the sea, where it is stored long-term as dissolved bicarbonate or carbonate rock. Modelling has indicated high rates of carbon capture are possible,' Dr Nelson said.

Tropical North Queensland Drought Hub Director, Professor David Phelps, said the hub is pleased to help deliver a promising carbon sequestration project which is being funded through the Partnerships and Innovation component of the Climate-Smart Agriculture Programs under the Australian Government Natural Heritage Trust.

'Projects like this have multiple benefits including building soil health and resilience, reductions in fertiliser use and reducing farmers’ costs. We will provide continuing support to help build our region’s adaptability to climate variability,' Professor Phelps said.

'By applying the extra basalt we’re giving nature a boost. The process neutralises soil acidity, it also releases nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and potassium, and can help increase soil organic matter.'

Existing mining equipment can be used to grind the rock, while agricultural spreaders typically used to distribute lime can spread the crushed rock over the land.

He said the project will improve soils but also aims to lock up carbon, as carbon dioxide dissolved in soil water can react with the basalt.

Early trials took place on sugarcane fields

With the help of $4.8 million in funding from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, field trials will be carried out on seven farms over four years to assess the effect of the process, known as enhanced rock weathering, on crop productivity, soil health, and carbon sequestration.

'We aim to help farmers improve the environmental sustainability of their operations and alleviate Australia’s chronic soil infertility and help contribute to achieving the country’s net zero target,' Dr Nelson said.

Crushed rock added to a spreader

JCU will conduct the trial in partnership with the Tropical North Queensland Drought Hub, UniSA, and Carbonaught.

17

18

‘This program will help me grow as a leader and develop skills that are hard to come by in other roles,’ Daniela said. ‘I believe it will give me the tools and confidence to take on bigger leadership opportunities down the line and contribute to natural resource management in the future.’

Each year, the program appoints two Associate Directors who participate in board meetings to gain insights into the governance of a not-forprofit organisation. While they do not have voting rights, Associate Directors contribute valuable knowledge, experience, and fresh perspectives to the GSNRM Board.

At GSNRM’s Annual General Meeting in November, the program welcomed its newest Associate Directors: Ebony Faichney, founder of the agricultural consultancy Farmour, and Daniela Matheus-Holland, an ecologist with Australian Wildlife Conservancy.

Daniela aims to build her governance skills, learn from experienced leaders, and deepen her understanding of how to set a strategic direction that positively impacts the environment, local economy, and communities.

Daniela Matheus-Holland

‘I’m also a problem solver at heart and enjoy working with others to come up with ideas and solutions,’ she added.

The Associate Director role offers a valuable opportunity to make a meaningful contribution while learning and growing professionally.

Ebony brings her experience as a young person, small business owner, and local leader to the role.

‘I have a long-term commitment of supporting and championing sustainable agricultural development in the Gulf Savannah region. This program is a unique opportunity to support my continual personal and professional development journey. I will be able to take the skills and experiences gained to support organisations, regional initiatives, and programs,’ she said.

Ebony Faichney

19

‘I work, live and play in the region so this was a perfect match. I want to be able to support my community, and being part of an organisation like Gulf Savannah NRM is a great way to do so,’ Ebony added.

Shannon Rae, a station manager on a large-scale breeder property in the Gulf, recently finished her one-year term as Associate Director.

‘I found the opportunity both rewarding and thought-provoking, observing how much work goes into a not-for-profit organisation that has the best interests of the Gulf community at the forefront,’ Shannon said.

‘I was grateful for the opportunity to participate in the board process and hope that the experience I have with farming made a beneficial contribution to the Board,’ Donald said. ‘I am aiming to be a productive member of other community boards in the future.’

By investing in the next generation of leaders, Gulf Savannah NRM is fostering stronger, more inclusive decision-making in our communities to support a sustainable and prosperous future.

‘The opportunity allowed me to gain invaluable experience, and I am truly grateful for this and encourage others to jump in and take up the challenge.’

Shannon completed her term alongside Donald Murray from Mareeba, a former Organic Farmer of the Year.

Shannon Rae, Donald Murray, Kate Eden (Director), Nick Hardy (Director), Ellen Weber (Chair), Chris Cocklin (Director) and Anne Clarke (Director).

Learn more about the Emerging Leaders Program in GSNRM’s Annual Report at gulfsavannahnrm.org.

REMOTE FIRST AID TRAINING

THURSDAY 27 FEBRUARY The Lynd Oasis Roadhouse

Remote First Aid training is delivered by Kim Cardwell from Far North Queensland First Aid Training. The day provides attendees with the skills required to provide first aid response to a casualty in a situation where medical assistance is likely to be delayed. Participants receive accreditation for completion. The training is 8am–4pm.

REGISTER NOW

https://bit.ly/remote-firstaid

For more information, contact Vickie: 4092 1088 or vickie.mylrea@gulfsavannahnrm.org

This project received grant funding from the Australian Government

THE GULF SAVANNAH STORY During 2023 and 2024, Gulf Savannah NRM team members interviewed 122 people who had memories of life on the land in the Gilbert, Staaten, Norman, and Mitchell River catchments.

The project aimed to bridge a big gap in the historical knowledge of the Northern Gulf region.

‘Our region is vast and sparsely populated, with little data on historical conditions, making it difficult to compare today with 50 or 100 years ago,’ Zoe Williams, GSNRM CEO, said.

22

Participants were asked about changes in farming practices, land condition, and biodiversity.

The interviews, totaling over 200 hours, have now been compiled into a summary report to better understand the needs and concerns of those working on the land. This knowledge will help Gulf Savannah NRM provide support for people and the environment in the years to come.

Here’s a brief overview of the findings:

Grazing Interviewees described significant changes to the grazing industry during the 1960s and 1970s. They spoke about the shift toward Brahman-dominated cattle, valued for their resilience to ticks and drought. This period also saw the introduction of fenced paddocks, the extensive development of water points, and the use of supplements and lick.

There were also lasting changes to employment on grazing properties, from multiple people being employed, including Indigenous stockmen, to a small core labour force and contractors being brought in as needed, e.g. for fencing and mustering.

Many older participants noted that fire was a common practice into the 1970s.

We used to muster along Camp Oven Creek in June. When we were there, we’d burn it. All we did was destroy it. Fire at the wrong time of year just helps the tree suckers to strike.

These multiple influences, including a boost in grazier education, had two key impacts, a general increase in grazing pressure across the region and a reduction in the use of fire.

Agriculture Participants described major changes in the 1980s and 1990s with the end of the tobacco industry leading to a shift into other crops, including sugar cane and tree crops. This resulted in an expansion of cropping properties—as more production was required for these less profitable crops.

The period also saw a drop in on-farm labour, which led to once vibrant regionals centres, like Dimbulah, shrinking in size.

At the same time, technological advancements were transforming agricultural practices. Many participants highlighted the benefits of pestresistant and more productive crop varieties, powerful farm machinery, and new and improved pesticides and herbicides. These innovations were credited with driving positive changes in land management, even as other challenges persisted.

The oral history project has provided a wealth of insights into the region’s evolving landscape and the resilience of its communities. To read the full Gulf Savannah Story report, visit gulfsavannahnrm.org.

GSNRM would like to thank all the participants for their time and important contributions to the project, which was funded by Queensland Government’s Natural Resources Recovery Program.

Many interviewees also described a significant increase in woody growth (woody thickening) across the landscape, and a decline in land condition.

Jack Fraser was one of the locals who had a chat with us for the project. He explained that changes came to the grazing industry from the 1960s.

‘Fences became common as the cost of production increased, stopping a neighbour’s stock from feeding on your good pasture.’

The river has seen changes too: ‘At the bridge, the Gilbert River has silted up around two metres over the past 50 years, as stocking rates along the river doubled. Fishing holes have disappeared under the sand,’ Jack said.

To read Jack’s full story, visit gulfsavannahnrm.org/listening-to-the-locals.

23 19

PROJECT & NEWS UPDATES Gulf Savannah NRM is delivering a range of projects in regenerative agriculture, biodiversity, fire and drought management, community resilience, and more. Stay up to date with our monthly online newsletter: bit.ly/gsnrm-news

IMPROVING LAND CONDITION Gulf Savannah NRM is part of a new project aiming to improve land condition, enhance productivity, and increase biodiversity.

A YEAR IN REVIEW The Gulf Savannah NRM Board endorsed the 2023-24 Annual Report at our Annual General Meeting on Wednesday 27 November in Mareeba.

The report includes updates from directors, program managers, and CEO Zoe Williams on the past 12 months, as well as a look ahead to future projects.

It also features an annual review of our sustainability strategy and the audited financial statement.

At the AGM, Nick Hardy was reappointed to the Board for another term. We also farewelled Shannon Rae and Donald Murray, who completed their 12-month terms, and welcomed new Associate Directors, Daniela Matheus-Holland and Ebony Faichney. Read more on page 18.

24

Covering 90,000ha, the initiative will support the adoption of sustainable land management practices and innovative monitoring technologies across 18 extensive grazing properties. Properties will also benefit from the development and implementation of climate-smart farm management plans.

This project brings together expertise from Southern Gulf NRM, James Cook University TropWATER, Downforce Technologies, Maxus AI, and Gulf Savannah NRM. Landowners interested in being part of the project can submit an expression of interest to julie.nicolosi@gulfsavannahnrm.org or call 07 4092 1088.

This project is supported by the Australian Government through funding from the ClimateSmart Agriculture Program under the Natural Heritage Trust.

RECORDING REMOTE RAINFALL Remote-sensing rain gauges have been installed on extensive grazing properties across the region. A total of 20 gauges will provide improved rainfall data to support graziers.

We will be posting updates on our social media channels after significant rain events, and graziers will be able to log on to download data from gauges on their property.

To receive more weather and climate information, you can sign up to our monthly newsletter by visiting bit.ly/gulf-savannah-climate.

This project received funding from the Australian Government.

GET THE RIGHT FARM TECH! Meet Keerah, our TEKFARM project officer, who'll help you find the right technology for your farm.

TEKFARM helps Australian farmers prepare for the impacts of drought, by accelerating technology adoption. Managed by Farmers2Founders and delivered through a network of advisers, TEKFARM focuses on simplifying the selection and implementation of technologies in agriculture.

Get in touch with Keerah to find out more at keerah.steele@gulfsavannahnrm.org.

This project received funding from the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund.

LNP COMMITTED TO FUNDING NRM NRM Regions Queensland and its member organisations, including Gulf Savannah NRM, were successful in obtaining a commitment of a $117.8 million investment for the Nurturing Nature: Cultivating Culture package of priority NRM projects from the LNP in the lead-up to the recent Queensland election.

We're excited to see this program of works roll out in the coming months and will have updates in future Gulf Croakers.

25

Above average rainfall

Get the latest climate info

Most of northern Australia received average to above average rainfall for November and December. Many regions received more than 50mm above average over the two months, with rainfall totals across much of the far north exceeding 200mm.

Want to stay up to date with weather and climate forecasts?

Sign up for updates from the Northern Australia Climate Program and you'll get a monthly climate information update delivered straight to your inbox!

Climate indicators

The next three months February to April rainfall is likely (60 to 80% chance) to be above average across most of the north. There is an increased chance of unusually high rainfall for western, northern and eastern Australia. The map below shows rainfall totals that have a 75% chance of occurring for the February to April period.

A climate indicator known as the Madden-Julian Oscillation, or MJO, is an eastward moving 'pulse' of cloud and rainfall near the equator that typically recurs every 30 to 60 days. The MJO can greatly increase or decrease rainfall during the monsoon season, influencing the bursts and breaks in the monsoon. It can also strongly influence the arrival of the monsoon.

The latest forecasts from the Bureau of Meteorology suggest the MJO is likely to return from the end of January—increasing the likelihood of the monsoon arriving in northern Australia.

Gulf Savannah NRM is proud to be collaborating on this project with the University of Southern Queensland, the Bureau of Meteorology, the UK Met Office, state governments in QLD, NT and WA, and other NRM groups.

26

Checklist: Northern Wet Season Identifying your risk Have you checked the weather forecast at your location?

Have you identified and analysed the potential risks in your location (flood and cyclone)?

Have you contacted your local council about flood or cyclone risk in your area?

Managing your risk Check with your local council and their disaster dashboard to access: flood plans or records in your area and local disaster updates local government and community disaster plans local flood arrangements information about road closures, river heights, evacuation centres.

Make an emergency plan and identify where to shelter during extreme weather. Complete your emergency plan at getready.qld.gov.au/plan.

Check your insurance covers flood and cyclone/storm damage.

Clear loose equipment and vegetation around buildings and access points. Clear gutters and downpipes.

Prepare an inventory of livestock, infrastructure, and equipment.

Ensure you have sufficient fodder, medication, and water supplies for animals.

Have materials ready to secure doors and windows.

Make a plan to move electrical equipment, chemicals and hazardous materials above ground level.

Locate and pack your critical documents such as financial, insurance, legal and identification details, and important plans in a portable waterproof container.

Back-up your critical data to a portable storage device and store it in a secure off-site location.

Pack an emergency kit and keep it where you can quickly retrieve it.

Include essential items, including keys, radio, torches, batteries, power bank, mobile phone and charger, essential medication, and first aid kit.

For a full Northern Wet Season Checklist and links to other useful resources, scan the QR code.

Wet Season Emergency Contacts Emergency services (police, fire and ambulance) Triple Zero (000) One Zero Six (106) through your telephone typewriter (TTY)

Other services Flood and storm emergency assistance: SES 132 500 Alerts and evacuation centres: ABC local radio and council disaster dashboard Road conditions and closures: qldtraffic.qld.gov.au State-wide road conditions: 13 19 40 Animal emergencies: RSPCA Queensland 1300 264 625

Georgetown 106.1 FM

Croydon 105.9 FM

Dimbulah 91.7 FM

Mount Garnet 95.7 FM

Karumba 106.1 FM

Atherton 720 AM

Normanton 105.7 FM

This project received grant funding from the Australian Government.