The ARS Council recently endorsed the proposal that the next Biennial ARS Conference be held in Longreach in western Queensland in May 2022. [ UPDATE: THE CONFERENCE IS NOW BEING HELD FROM 4-8 OCTOBER 2021 – CLICK THIS LINK FOR DETAILS]
The Conference will have a theme of ‘Shaping our future’ which aims to:
- Bring the local and broader rangeland communities closer together and proactively engage in shaping a sustainable future;
- inspire a proactive approach in rangeland professionals to contribute to regional resilience by engaging with local and regional communities;
- highlight to local communities the value of engaging with science and rangeland professionals to improve outcomes for rangeland landscapes, industries and conservation;
- encourage the outback tourism sector to actively engage in rangeland issues.
The Conference will build on the theme of resilience from the Canberra (2019, Resilient future rangelands: integrating environment and livelihoods) and Pt Augusta (2017, Transition to Transformation) conferences. It will explore drought, climate variability, regional development and the socioeconomic factors that Australia’s rangelands are facing. It will use examples from central-western Queensland and other regions as discussion starters for adapting to these challenges. Conference organisers are also keen to build on popular and successful elements of previous conferences including an early career mentoring opportunity and an outback version of the world café (“around the billy”).
Longreach and surrounds has world class tourist attractions such as the Qantas Founders Museum, Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame and the Australian Age of Dinosaurs museum. Longreach can accommodate more than 500 visitors in motels, cabins and glamping, plus many more in caravan park berths and camping sites.
Look out for further information about the Conference as it becomes available.
Editors Note – I am hoping the accompanying photos will inspire you to visit this great part of our country. Click on any of the photos to see them in greater detail. Photo credit – David Phelps
