MEDIA STATEMENT: Take a tour of Australia’s longest running catchment study from anywhere in the world
- Brigalow Catchment Study marks 60th anniversary with the launch of a free virtual tour
- The study provides vital insights into sustainable land management and Queensland’s unique biodiversity
Australia’s longest running catchment study, the Brigalow Catchment Study, is celebrating its 60th anniversary with the launch of a brand-new virtual tour.
The study was established in 1965 to understand the environmental impact and land-use changes on hydrology, soil fertility, water quality and agricultural productivity following the clearing of native brigalow (Acacia harpophylla) woodlands for the Brigalow Land Development Fitzroy Basin Scheme in the early 1960s.
In the decades since, the study has been instrumental in helping scientists improve our understanding of hydrology, soil fertility, water quality and agricultural management practices.
To mark the 60th anniversary of the Brigalow Catchment Study, the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI) has launched a new, free virtual tour of the site.
Minister for Science and Innovation Andrew Powell said the Brigalow Catchment Study is an excellent example of science in Queensland.
“Our dedicated scientists continue to study this unique landscape and provide scientific data and publications to support environmental models, policy-making, and sustainable land-use strategies,” Minister Powell said.
“The unique biodiversity of Queensland cannot be understated, with 4.9 million hectares of private protected areas and plans to expand this. The study continues to provide critical insights into land-use sustainability.”
“This is a remarkable example of scientific excellence in Queensland. I look forward to continuing to learn about the Brigalow Catchment Study and I encourage anyone interested in science to explore the virtual tour.”
Senior Scientist at DETSI Dr Craig Thornton said the virtual tour is perfect for Australian and international scientists, and members of the public who are keen to learn about the impacts of sustainability of agriculture.
“Although we do conduct onsite tours of the Brigalow Catchment Study site, it is difficult for people to access due to the remote location,” he said.
“The virtual tour provides a fantastic opportunity for people to explore the landscape without needing to make the trek to the site. Users can navigate the tour like Google Earth, watching videos, looking at photos and reading about the study.
“A bioregion isn’t a static thing. The environment has changed from 1965 to today and we have continued to adapt and measure this change over time.
“I encourage anyone that is interested in learning more about the impacts of large land scale clearing to take a few minutes to navigate the tour. It is free and can be accessed online from anywhere, any time.”
State Member for Rockhampton Donna Kirkland said this study showcases Rockhampton and the surrounding region as team players for sustainable agriculture.
“We live in the beef capital here in Rockhampton, so our town is built off sustainable agriculture that backs our economy.”
“It was fantastic to spend the morning celebrating 60 years with Craig and the team, and I look forward to what’s next!” Kirkland said
To access the virtual tour and learn more about the Brigalow Catchment Study: Department of Environment, Science and Innovation