Pieter Conradie, ARS President.  Email: pieter.conradie@daf.qld.gov.au

Dear Members,

As we move into the second quarter of the year, it’s hard not to reflect on the contrasting conditions affecting rangelands across Australia. From the floodwaters that have swept through parts of Western Queensland to the ongoing drought impacting Southern Australia, the resilience of the people and the land is being tested in many ways. These conditions serve as a reminder of the volatility of our environment and the need for innovative management practices to ensure the continued sustainability of our rangelands.

The recent flooding in Western Queensland has had a profound effect on both the rangelands and the communities that rely on them. For many of our pastoralists, the heavy rains have caused as much or even more disruption than the prolonged dry periods we are accustomed to. Roads have been washed out, infrastructure damaged, and in some areas, herds have been displaced or lost to the rising floodwaters. Eary indications are that more than 170 000 head of primarily cattle and sheep have been lost. The lush growth that follows such an event will provide some short-term relief to the rangelands, but there is also a risk of erosion, silting and long-term soil degradation where the floodwaters do not drain efficiently. With hundreds of kilometres of exclusion fencing being washed away, wild dogs will be roaming freely, and the small stock industry is at risk.

Despite these challenges, the spirit of the rangeland community remains strong, with many rallying together to recover from this difficult event. We must remember that it is through these hardships that innovation and community spirit thrive, and we can only support them in their journey to rebuild and adapt.

While Western Queensland grapples with floods, Southern Australia continues to endure one of the most prolonged and severe droughts in recent memory. The southern rangelands, already feeling the strain of a changing climate, are being pushed to their limits with minimal rainfall, impacting both land productivity and pastoral operations. 

This drought has sparked much discussion within the agricultural community as we look for ways to help the rangeland sector better prepare for, respond to, and recover from such conditions. It is clear that the challenges of drought require long-term planning, including water management strategies, drought-proofing infrastructure, and maintaining soil health during extended dry periods. The contrast between the flood conditions in the north and the drought in the south highlights the complex and unpredictable nature of rangeland management, requiring flexibility, foresight, and resilience from our community.

Council Activities & Membership Initiatives

The Council has been actively working to support our members with a particular focus on fostering early career rangeland practitioners. At a recent Council meeting it was decided to offer a 50 percent reduction in membership fees for early career professionals in the rangeland sector. This initiative is designed to grow our membership and enable more people access to the resources, networks, and knowledge that the Society provides.

We are also excited to announce that preparations for the 50th anniversary of the Australian Rangeland Society is well under way. The celebrations for this momentous occasion will take place on the first night of the International Rangelands Congress on 2 June 2025 in Adelaide. Stay tuned for further details on the anniversary celebrations, which will provide an opportunity to connect with colleagues, reminisce about the progress we’ve made, and look toward the future of rangeland management in Australia.

We apologise to those of you who have been affected by lengthy disruptions to our website. We have been working tirelessly with our provider and are satisfied that everything possible is being done to secure a fully functional website. The website was completely rebuilt with a much better membership management system and streamlined look. Recovery of other functions are progressing. To deal with the huge volume of material assembled over 50 years, historical material will be safely stored on Google Drive with a link to the website.  

Finally, a reminder that the AGM will be held virtually on 21 May at 6pm AEST. Please make an effort to attend as this is a great opportunity to familiarise yourself with the activities of the Society. With two Council positions becoming vacant there is also an opportunity to increase your involvement. Please contact me or one of the Council members if you are interested to nominate. 

Thank you for your continued support of the Society, and I look forward to seeing you at the upcoming events.

Best regards,

Pieter