Three Rivers, Three Creeks - June 2014 - WEB.pdf

Three Rivers, Three Creeks | June 2014

South West NRM

Three Rivers.Three Creeks.

01

South West NRM

Three Rivers.Three Creeks.

Queensland’s South West is one of Australia’s great outback landscapes – expansive land and sky with resilient people producing food and � bre in a landscape where the dinosaurs le� their bones.

South West NRM would like to hear from landholders who are interested in exploring the possibilities of o� ering an on-farm experience that could provide city-folk with an insight into outback lifestyle on the land, or a natural wonder they can photograph and add to their holdiay experience.

South West NRM CEO, Bernard Holland said, “We’ve got great natural assets in this region and South West NRM would like to work with tourism agencies and landholders to further explore the potential for value-adding to the industry. Landholders and the community will all bene� t from extra tourist dollars coming into the region”.

An escarpment that overlooks the vast landscape could be

the ideal spot for a bus tour to stop and enjoy a beautiful western Queensland sunset while enjoying an evening campoven meal.

Or perhaps a quiet place beside a wetland might be a twitcher's delight, providing a place to lie in wait to catch a glimpse, or listen for that elusive call of the rare freckled duck or the Australian painted snipe? Perhaps elegant brolgas grace your property in company of other native wildlife?

An historically signi� cant site, or a crumbling building facade le� over from a bygone era might be just the thing for visitors to have their photos taken beside.

Linking such sites can provide a great tour itinerary for travellers.

If you think you have something to o� er visitors, or if you would like to discuss possible options, please email [email protected] to record your story.

South West Queensland: the natural sciences loopAttention landowners interested in new opportunities to enhance income!

PLENTY OF LOCAL AND TOURIST INTEREST: (left) This photo posted on South West NRM's Facebook page of the Crack Cactus Team next to Landsborough's Tree, scored over 1,000 hits and drew media attention.


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People PowerPrevious overland � ow events have livened up the spread of coral cacti, tree pear and prickly pear across the district – but South West NRM’s Crack Cactus Team is onto it!

� e NRM Crack Cactus Team comprising William Jordan, William Collins and Richard Fernando (pictured on front page and below), made plans to zero-in on the Banjarra Drive area to undertake ground control work on public and private land, which is on the outskirts of Charleville in the vicinity of Bradley’s Gully.

� ey informed property owners through a letterbox drop of their intentions and extended an invitation to landholders to be involved, or to contact the team if they needed further information about cacti species and best-prac control methods.

A partnership soon developed between the Crack Cactus Team and adjoining property owners in Banjarra Drive, who requested assistance with identifying, GIS mapping and controlling opuntia infestations in their area.

Within two days the project was completed. Follow-up inspections and spot spraying will be conducted in July 2014 as a monitoring and evaluation activity.

� e development of the Crack Team to their current ‘award-winning level’ has evolved from a partnership between

Max Employment Charleville, Centrelink Charleville, South West NRM and of course the lads themselves.

� is has been part of South West NRM’s on-ground investment program in collaboration with Desert Channels to control Weeds of National Signi� cance in western Queensland. Funding has been sourced through the Federal Government's Caring For Our Country - Sustainable Environment & Indigenous Engagement investment programs.

Work has included:• Sennas, tree pear and prickly pear treated along the Charleville Adavale road and Albert Park.

• Initial treatment of Charleville to Ward River along the Quilpie Road . � is area is now clean. It took 2 people 4 days last year to do initial treatment. � e follow-up took 3 people 6 hours. It is estimated that next spring it should only take 1 person 5 hours to undertake surveillance and clean-up works.

• All areas adjacent to, and including the show grounds, polo-cross � elds the pony club and out to the goat works. All areas have been treated.

• Ongoing work at Bradley’s Gully for Mother of Millions, all cacti species and many exotic garden escapees.

ALL CLOBBERED UP: The NRM Crack Cactus Team have been making headway around the region controlling Weeds of National Signifi cance, like this Senna.


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Message from the CEO:

NEWBIES JOIN THE SOUTH WEST NRM TEAM: (back) Regional Landcare Facilitator - Heather Smith, (front l-r) Special Projects Offi cer CAM - Catherine Crowden, Finance Assistant - Carol Burgess and Landcare Project Offi cer - Jed Sommerfi eld. (Inset) Administration Offi cer - Beryl Couchy.

Bernard Holland

Over the last three months we have undergone a number of sta� changes as we see a changeover in personnel.

Heather Smith joins us as the Regional Landcare Facilitator (RLF) replacing Amy Steer who has joined Western Local Land Services in NSW. Heather, who is based in Bollon has extensive experience in rural � nancial services, Landcare and agriculture and will provide a strategic and science-based focus on agricultural production and facilitate our workshop and � eld-day program.

Jed Sommer� eld is our new Landcare Project O� cer and replaces Daniel Wingett, who is now working in Karratha. Jed will deliver on-ground Mulga Graze and Ramsar projects, which support agricultural innovation and conservation. Jed’s extensive experience in grazing

management and other areas will be of great support to us. Catherine Crowden is our Special Projects O� cer and will drive the data collection and reporting within our Collaborative Area Management (CAM) project. � is ‘Iconic’ State Government Innovation project will provide invaluable baseline data in support of improved agricultural production.

Carol Burgess becomes our Business Services Support O� cer and replaces Hayley Bleys, who is seeking new horizons. Carol returns to us a� er initially working in South West NRM when it was founded.

Beryl Couchy has recently joined the Finance and Administration Team and will support Carol in her role as Administration O� cer.


04

Expression$ of InterestMay proves a busy month with South West NRM seeking Expressions of Interest from landholders on two separate initiatives.New sta� recruit, Jed Sommer� eld hit the ground running in his role as Landcare Project O� cer, preparing and disseminating the EOIs.

� e � rst EOI was for the ‘Mulga Graze’ initiative, which sought interest from landmanagers to showcase productivity while contributing positively to the sustainability of rangeland ecosystems and environment. � is has now closed.

� e other EOI is directed at land owners and managers whose properties are in proximity of the Currawinya Ramsar site or areas around the Paroo River Catchment.

"South West NRM has funding available to control pests, weeds and erosion and sustainable management practices to reduce the negative impact on the health of these high ecological value areas," Jed said.

Examples of projects that have received funding in the past include:

• Engineering and earthworks to reduce runoff which leads to reducing the turbidity and silt build up in the main water course.• Rehabilitation of eroded sites and reintroduction of native species. • Erection of fences to control total grazing pressure of speci� c sites, including watering points and overgrazed and/or eroded sites.• Installation of troughs and tanks to increase the number of water points away from the river.• Control of pigs and other pests and weeds along the river systems, carried out by trapping, baiting and aerial shooting.• Organisation of education � elds located within the Paroo catchment and Currawinya National Park.

For more information please contact: Jed on 07 46 568 518.

Keen students – great results!

South West NRM and Charleville Max Employment collaborate to organise a training opportunity in levels 1 and 2 chainsaw operation to intermediate level and ACDC chemical accreditation.

In case you are wondering – no, that’s not ACDC the band. � e acronym stands for Agricultural Chemical Distribution and Control.

Bob Collins of BCE Rural Training travels the state to deliver courses such as this one. Other subjects in his repertoire include training in pole saw, brush cutter and concrete cutting chainsaw operation.

‘You can do anything you want if you want to do it badly enough,’ Bob said. ‘� is group was a good lot. � ey were very attentive, did what they were told and came through with � ying colours.’

Placement Consultant, Cassaie Wallace said, ‘� ese courses provide students with new skills and techniques and are a good way of getting to know di� erent people in a team environment.’

� is training was part of the remote jobs community program.

HIGH FIVE: Eighteen Charleville students graduate from a 4 day accredited rural training course.


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CASE STUDY:Harrisia Cactus Control at MorvenSouth West NRM accesses Australian Government funding to support owners of ‘Glenellen’ station protect � reatened Ecological Communities and wage war on the invasive Harrisia Cactus.

‘Glenellen’ is a cattle grazing property 70 km north of Morven in the South West NRM region and includes areas of Weeping Myall Woodlands and Natural Grasslands. � ese land types are classi� ed as � reatened Ecological Communities (TEC) under the Australian government’s Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 and make the property eligible to receive support through South West NRM’s ‘Business Diversity meets Biodiversity’ program.

� e project is supported by the Australian government’s Clean Energy Future Biodiversity Fund and enables South West NRM to work with landholders to progress conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity.

Owners of ‘Glenellen’ manage their property to achieve maximum ground cover and healthy soils through controlling grazing pressure on their pastures. Weed control is also a key part of their land management strategy. Since the Queensland Class 2 weed Harrisia Cactus (Harrisia martinii) was sighted at ‘Glenellen’ by previous owners, it has invaded around 2000ha of the property. It competes aggressively with native pastures and its spines can injure stock, wildlife and humans. Under the Land Protection (Pest Stock Route Management) Act 2002, it is declared a major threat to TEC areas.

� e weed appears to prefer clay soils and shaded timbered areas. � is is a serious issue in the Weeping Myall Woodlands at ‘Glenellen’ and its spread into the open Natural Grasslands has also become a concern.

South West NRM’s Biodiversity O� cer, Julie Frousheger said, “� e control of this cactus is a priority project between South West NRM, Glenellen’s owners, and surrounding properties ‘Angellala Downs’, ‘Uabba’ and ‘Oakleigh’”.

“Since the project commenced, on-ground weed control has been undertaken at ‘Glenellen’ and neighbouring properties and through a devolved grant process the materials have been provided for this activity. Landholders are equipped with Tordon herbicide, four wheeler sprayers and backpack sprayers,” Julie said.

Manager of ‘Glenellen’, Nathan Ballentine said, “� e owners of Glenellen have seen this Cactus take over large areas of land at Collinsville and we do not want that to happen here”.

Nathan dedicates three weeks at a time towards identifying and spraying this cactus to cover the infested areas.

Harissia Cactus is native to Argentina and Paraguay in South America and is thought to have arrived in Australia as a pot plant in the late 1800s. Its fruit and seeds are produced proli� cally and can be spread by birds, livestock, kangaroos, pigs, goannas and other animals. � e stems are spiny and � eshy and are able to take root where they touch the ground. In addition, stem segments can be distributed by vehicles, animals and dumped garden waste.

Future achievements of the project will include:• GIS mapping of the full extent of the infestation on

‘Glenellen’ and surrounding properties• Awareness raising about the threat from weeds in the

community• Further on ground control through herbicide

application• Investigation of biological control options

WAITING TO POUNCE: This Harrisia Cactus plant in the Weeping Myall Woodlands at 'Glenellen', shows the dull green colour that occurs in cooler weather, making it diffi cult to detect when spraying.


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HavingSouth West NRM captures community and Traditional Owner feedback to inform the South West Natural Resource Management Plan 2015–2025.

South West NRM invited NRM stakeholders to contribute their knowledge and experience to discussions during regional workshops conducted between November 2013 and January 2014. Tasks and activities that were identi� ed during discussion have been captured in the report, Don’t Camp in � e Creek Bed: Planning for Climate Variability in South West Queensland. From this base, the Plan will draw out real and solid outcomes so that e� orts will be focussed, making today’s aspirations tomorrow’s reality.

Following is a sample of what people had to say at these workshops. � e full report is available on South West NRM’s website.

Community Aspirations:� rough facilitated discussion participants identi� ed priority NRM areas and discussed possible impacts of climate variability on pro� table and sustainable agricultural production, landscape repair and social and community resilience to natural disaster.

One of the most popular requests was for South West NRM to continue supporting land managers build best-practice strategies in their agricultural enterprises to improve

sustainable productivity. Land managers at one workshop believed participation in on-farm and inter-farm mentoring on best practice strategies would increase e� ciency and improve all aspects of a rural grazing business.

Another topic high on the list was the need for a coordinated and strategic approach to pest management programs across the region.

� e population explosion of kangaroos and the impossibility of managing grazing pressure under the current system was a recurring theme in all workshops. One suggested solution was for South West NRM to revisit and support investigation into potential commercial opportunities regarding the kangaroo wild game meat market.

� e threat of more extreme � ooding events drew robust discussion with participants identifying the need for collaborative response planning by emergency service providers; the provision of information workshops to assist landholders assess � ood risk and plan subsequent proactive actions; and the dissemination of timely and accurate weather information prior to, and during extreme weather events.

Advocacy is a key role of South West NRM and there was no shortage of requests for this service. Triggered by discussion about the current drought and projections indicating less rain for south west Queensland, came the request for South West NRM to advocate for the continuation of the Great

LET 'EM RIP: NRM stakeholders have their say at eight workshops conducted throughout the region. Facilitator, Karen Tully of 'Mulga Solutions' engages with participants from Bollon (left) and Morven (below).


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Your Say!Artesian Basin Sustainability Initiative (GABSI) scheme.

A suggestion that ticked the box for everyone at one of the workshops was advocacy for a zonal taxation system that recognised the higher cost of living and hardship for people in rural and remote regions.

Traditional Owner Aspirations:A cross-section of Traditional Owners from the Bidjara, Budjiti, Kooma, Kunja and Mardigan groups attended workshops conducted in Cunnamulla and Charleville during December 2013 and January 2014 and provided feedback on how variable climatic conditions could a� ect their traditional culture, identity and lifestyle. During discussion, participants o� ered their thoughts on how to respond to these challenges.

All participants united in agreement across workshops about the cultural importance of rivers and waterholes, as well as their traditional use as places for recreation, spiritual rejuvenation and a source of food. Traditional Owners were concerned about the negative changes they were witnessing, such as drying up of the Warrego River and ever-increasing populations of the pest � sh – Carp.

Trees were regarded as critical to the stability of river banks, biodiversity and shade for wildlife and people. � e loss of culturally signi� cant scar trees along the river was also noted.

Participants at the Charleville workshop discussed the lack of understanding about the important role (particularly

during times of drought) that gilgais play in feeding water through underground channels into rivers and waterholes. � ey drew attention to damage caused to many of them by activities such as road works, table-drains and some land management practices, believing this to have exacerbated overland erosion due to underground water being diverted to the surface.

Suggestions included holistically managing rivers and water holes on public land by spatially mapping gilgais with a view to protecting active ones and assessing whether inactive ones could be restored; weed and pest mitigation; plantings of native trees and shrubs along the banks; putting in bins and signage; and bollards to limit vehicle access close to banks to reduce erosion.

Consultation is an ongoing process and will continue with stakeholders, particularly throughout the planning process.

Turn to next page for contribution to the South West NRM planning discussion from state and local government stakeholders.

YARNING WITH T R A D I T I O N A L OWNERS: Great ideas are captured and used to inform the South West NRM Plan 2015-2025.


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Joining the ConversationState and local government stakeholders are welcomed by Independent Chair of the South West NRM Board, Mark O’Brien and invited to join a round-table discussion on ways to improve Natural Resource Management in south west Queensland.

Mr Bob Speirs, who has been recruited by the NRM Regional Groups Collective to assist Queensland NRM organisations with planning processes, facilitated discussion at the meeting conducted 16 June.

� e three focus questions that drew robust responses from attendees were: 1. What are the big directions/drivers of each stakeholder

organisation’s e� ort over the next few years?

2. What are the big risks/barriers to each stakeholder organisation’s success over the next few years?

3. What are the few things that would make a big di� erence?

Actions that emerged from discussion will be fed into South West NRM’s ten year plan and include:

• Providing educational assistance by allocating time for state government sta� to discuss various legislative changes at South West NRM workshops and assisting with providing the necessary tools to do so; facilitating the development of school programs to teach students more about native plant and animal species and their contribution to eco-functionality.

• Collaborating with stakeholders in the region to investigate programs for recycling paper and cardboard and improving the economics of using solar and digital

technologies in business enterprises.

• Providing scale modelling and evaluation of refugia in south west Queensland.

• Collaborating with stakeholders to monitor, evaluate and add emerging pest species to pest management plans.

• Collaborating with stakeholders to increase surveillance opportunities for locating pest outbreaks through using South West NRM’s Crack Cactus Team; investigating the use of biological control; using drones for spotting and spraying; and facilitating educational programs in schools.

• Creating a comprehensive, themed presentation of the Earth science and ecological assets of south west Queensland as a basis for visitor appreciation and scienti� c enquiry.

• Collaborating with stakeholders to establish additional tour itineraries for visitors to the region.

• Collaborating with stakeholders to identify reasons for the further decline of the sheep industry and developing and facilitating implementation actions and strategies to address the decline.

• Collaborating with stakeholders to develop an action strategy to present to the federal government to address the lack of government control over keeping bene� ts of overseas investment in the agricultural industry in the domestic market.

• Undertaking an advocacy role for the continuation of the GABSI scheme as well as the reinvigoration of the macropod industry.

Anyone wishing to contribute to the NRM planning conversation please contact Senior Project O� cer, Leanne Day on 4656 8529.

POOLING IDEAS: State and local government Natural Resource Management stakeholders gather and provide feedback to assist with NRM planning. From left: Alex Stirton representing DAFF and Leading Sheep, Dan McCudden and Toni Willmott from Biosecurity, Craig Alison from South West NRM, and Regional Groups Collective Critical Friend, Bob Speirs chat with South West NRM CEO, Bernard Holland, about improvements to Natural Resource Management in south west Queensland.


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Getting back to grass roots

COVERING GROUND: Terry addresses a packed venue at Morven and responds to keen questioning after his presentation. Regional workshops were also conducted at Tambo, Toompine and Thargominda.

GROUNDWORK: Terry McCosker explains how the carbon cycle works and why it is important to return carbon to the soil to improve landscape resilience and productivity.

South West NRM brings in the experts to discuss potential opportunities for soil carbon sequestration with landmanagers in the south west.A� er much lobbying by the Carbon Farmers group and support from Environment Minister, Greg Hunt, soil carbon is shortly to be included in the amended Carbon Farming Initiative and funded under the Direct Action Plan.

Chairman of Carbon Link, Terry McCosker addressed regional landmanagers, government and business stakeholders in south west Queensland. His information-packed presentation covered aspects such as the science of carbon cycles, carbon trading and what is required of landmanagers interested in generating an income through the federal government's Direct Action plan.

Terry outlined the many bene� ts from improving soil through carbon sequestration, even if landmanagers do not wish to participate in the Direct Action plan. � e biggest game-breaker, however, is the importance of being able to maintain control over grazing pressure.

Terry said, 'It is imperative that all animals are controlled to have the ability to sequester soil carbon through grasslands. � is is because plants need rest in order to optimise photosynthesis, which is where the carbon comes from. � erefore sheep, cattle, goats and macropods must be controlled to allow the plants to do their work. � is does not mean total exclusion of domestic stock but it does mean that the sustained damage done by large uncontrolled roo populations, must become a thing of the past.'

Good news for land owners interested in becoming involved in carbon sequestration projects, is that the permanence period for land based abatement has dropped from the unrealistic period of 100 years, to a more do-able period of 25 years.

'� e recent public example of Mt Morris in the south west, whose bank would not allow them to sign up for a 100 year

permanence period, underscores the commercial reality of this lengthy permance period.

While some people at the workshops also thought 25 years was too long, it can be argued that the market will not pay for carbon sequestered with a short permanence period. Soil carbon is likely to be permanent for a very long time anyway, so the permanence period becomes more of an administrative issue and guarantee for the buyers,' Terry said.

� e government proposal is to give people a choice. A 100 year permanence is still available and allows for the sale of 95% of the carbon sequestered. � e 25 year option allows the sale of only 80% of carbon sequestered.

Accurate monitoring and measuring is a critical requirement for generating an income. � e greater the accuracy, the higher the quality of the product. � e higher the quality, the more carbon credits are assigned to the product and the more it is worth in the carbon market.

'New soil analysis technology has vastly improved the ways sampling and measuring soil carbon can now be achieved,' Terry said.

Carbon Link has been working closely with South West NRM to produce a 'tool kit' containing the steps landholders need to take when establishing a carbon sequestration project, along with base-line data, calibrated mapping of the region, grazing-rate calculations and other necessary for start-up 'tools'.

For more information, Terry may be contacted via email at: [email protected]


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South West NRM continues to progress the Collaborative Area Management (CAM) project by prioritising the establishment of three new clusters.

� e � rst of the state government funded projects, the South Tambo CAM, has fencing well underway and the two company funded CAMs at Morven and Mungallala South, will each close their fence by the end of 2014.

In the current round of funding, South West NRM received eight applications. � ey were from Central Warrego, Wyndam, Tomoo Creek, Mungallala Creek, Bollon, North

Bollon, Southern Paroo and Linden Nebine - see locations on below map.

� e South West NRM Board and sta� , and two DNRM o� cers from Brisbane recently met to conduct a discernment process to weight each application.

� e Board then met again to prioritise funding for three clusters and le� enough funds to provide one more funding round in late February 2015.

� e prioritised clusters now have until July 31 to complete all o� cial documentation before the Minister can publicly announce successful applicants.

CAM update

P

P

P

P

P

P

P PP

P P

P

PP

P

P

MIT

CH

ELL

HIG

HW

AY

BALONNE HIGHWAY

WARREGO HIGHWAY

LANDSBO

ROU

GH HIG

HWAY

DIAMANTINA DEVELOPMENTAL ROAD

MIT

CHEL

L HI

GHW

AY

Eulo

Tambo

YowahBollon

Morven

Wyandra

Cheepie

Adavale

Cooladdi

Cunnamulla

Mungallala

Augathella

Charleville

LegendExisting Clusters

Proposed Clusters

COLLABORATIVE AREA MANAGEMENT CLUSTER LOCATIONS


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Fuel tank at Bollon

South West NRM has a 1000L upright fuel tank for tender. It is located at Bollon and pictured at right. If you wish to view the tanker or make enquiries about it, please contact either Ric Newson on 0427 220 138 or Heather Smith on 0428 220 136.

____________________________________________________________________________________________

'Pasture to Pocket' workshops

Calling for EOIs on ...

READING THE SOIL: In this previous Pasture to Pocket workshop, David McLean (red cap) from RCS explains the benefi ts of soil disturbance, water infi ltration and stock faecal nutrient sink to attendees. These workshops come highly recommended so don't miss this opportunity to attend one of these workshops.

Acclaimed educational program, ‘Pasture to Pocket’ pays o� . Previous participants have come back for more of this workshop as they deepen their knowledge of how to improve agricultural production.

� e ‘Pasture to Pocket’ workshop is a 2.5 day program, which is focussed principally on ecology and grazing management, but which also has some economics and animal production for context. It includes half a day out on property so that participants can see and understand the practical application of theory. Soil carbon sequestration will also be threaded through the workshops.

South West NRM is funding this opportunity and requires Expressions Of Interest to decide on the location of the workshops. � e only cost to attendees is $100 to cover catering extras.

� e dates are: August 4-5 (seminar) and August 6 (half � eld day)August 8-9 (seminar) and August 10 (half � eld day)

If you are interested please � ll out the below coupon, detatch and send back to South West NRM at:PO Box 66, Galatea Street, CHARLEVILLE, 4470.

An electronic survey will also be sent out via email. � e highest concentration of interest will determine workshop locations.

South West NRM Membership

Please complete and return to:

South West NRM Ltd PO Box 630, CHARLEVILLE QLD 4470 FAX: (07) 4654 1600

Call us on (07) 4656 8500 if you have any queries

I (name) ________________________________________________________

Of (address) _____________________________________________________

Postcode _______________________________________________________

Email address ___________________________________________________

Phone _________________________________________________________

Fax ___________________________________________________________

Apply for membership of South West NRM Ltd

I live in the Catchment of:

Bulloo Nebine/Mungallala Paroo Warrego

Outside, but with a strong interest in region (please nominate a catchment or whole region):

___________________________________________________________________________________

My membership sector is (tick one only):

Local Government Industry Aboriginal Conservation Community/Landcare

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Payment of $11.00 (eleven dollars) GST incl. for membership

Payment is by way of:

Cheque: Made payable to South West NRM Ltd.

Direct Debit: South West NRM Ltd. BSB: 084500 Acc: 577974459

Cash:Made in person at any of South West NRM office

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12

'Lost City' springs back to life

A� er 41 years, the 'Lost City' spring on the Bidjira cattle station at Mount Tabor has come back to life and is now � owing with crystal clear water. � is reawakening occurred a� er the successful application by Bidjira Traditional Owners to the Queensland Museum to have Bidjira people's ancenstral remains released so they could be returned to country.

Manager of Mt Tabor Station, Keelen Mailman said, 'It was a lengthy process and we worked with Queensland Museum curators, Olivia Robinson then Leonie Cogill for about 7 years'.

'When the time came, the 10 Bidjira applicants were very proud and honoured to be signing the dotted line to bring back the � rst lot of our people's ancestral remains,' Keelen said.

A� er Keelen brought the remains back to Mt Tabor, they stayed with her for 8 months from April until November 30, 2012, which was the day a� er her birthday.

� e Bidjira applicants then elected Keelen to be the coordinator of the Ancestral Repatriation Ceremony, which was to be held at the Augathella Yumba (home) on April 9, 2012.

� e ceremony attracted a large crowd of Bidjira people, who travelled from the Northern Territory, Western Australia and all around Queensland to attend.

� e remains were then prepared for burial by Bidjira people Robert Geebung, Fred Lawton, Victor Coulahan

and Keelen - as well as right-hand man, Dave Hagger.

'We cut the budgeroo bark o� the tree and made the co� ns to place them back out on country. � e whole property has many burial and signi� cant sites and we all felt it. It was the most powerful and spiritual feeling,' Keelen said.

A Smoking Ceremony was then conducted to clense the bones so that they could rest in peace.

A couple of months later in early 2013, Keelen was walking to the 'Lost City' when she heard water � owing.

'I went to have a look. � en I saw the 'Lost City' spring running like a champion and thought Oh My God! � is is a gi� from � e Spirits'.

'A few moments later I also found a grinding stone. I felt it strongly inside me then, and I've been talking with other Traditional Owners. We believe this was a gi� from our ancestors for bringing them home,' Keelen said.

� e 'Lost City' spring is one of two fresh water springs that Traditional Owners have now fenced to prevent stock and feral animals disturbing the so� ground.

Other rehabilitation activities they are conducting include water point management and treating tree pear, which dominates the headwaters of the Warrego River. Treatment programs have been undertaken across the creek catchment with more to come in the coming months.

South West NRM CEO, Bernard Holland said, ‘� is example of ‘on country’ work demonstrates the vision and determination of Keelen Mailman, who has managed the Bidjira cattle property for the last 17 years'.

A TIME TO SMILE: Bidjira people Floyd Robinson and Manager of Mt Tabor Station, Keelen Mailman welcome back ancient friends at the 'Lost City' spring, which began fl owing again since the successful application to the Queensland Museum for the release of Bidjira ancestral remains to be returned to country.

Three Rivers, Three Creeks - June 2014 - WEB.pdf

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