Pieter Conradie, ARS President. Email: pieter.conradie@daf.qld.gov.au
It is hard to believe, but next year marks the 50th anniversary of the Australian Rangeland Society, founded in 1975. To commemorate this milestone, a special event will be held at the International Rangelands Congress in Adelaide in June 2025. The society belongs to its members, and we welcome any ideas to make this celebration memorable. I’m confident we can build on many cherished memories from the past while also looking forward to future possibilities. The Council is eager to establish a small committee to coordinate this event. If you are interested in becoming part of this historic celebration, please contact me.
While writing this report, I was attending the GroWQ Innovation Expo in Longreach. This annual event, organized by a group of innovative individuals, is dedicated to building resilience in the regional outback of Western Australia. It is astounding to see the developments in environmental monitoring and conservation, land degradation assessment, climate and weather prediction, water monitoring, and livestock management. The role of better connectivity, purpose-built technology, and precision agriculture tools is crucial in unlocking the potential of the rangelands.
A significant discussion point at GroWQ was the effective use of social media platforms to inform and educate urban populations about the unique attributes of this part of the country. Good examples were provided by innovative producers how social media can enhance the image of the rangelands and its people, contributing to future social license for activities beneficial to the land, animals, and people living there.
Finally, it is my pleasure to welcome Jaidyn Eastaughffe, who was elected to the Council of the Society at the Annual General Meeting on 22nd May. Jaidyn is based in Katherine and as the leader of the Early Career Professionals Group, formed after the Broome conference, has already provided new insights and increased diversity on the Council.
Enjoy the read.
Mitchell Grass landscape (Photo compliments of Jenny Milson)