Graziers Jo and David Murphy ( Clothes Peg Station )
BUILDING SOCIAL FABRIC
FOCUS ON : STRENGTHENING COMMUNITY NETWORKS THROUGH EDUCATION
PEER TO PEER SUPPORT KEY TO BUILDING RESILIENCE
The three-year Saving our Soils - Promotion of A-class Grazing Practices project wrapped up this year , having helped to build enduring networks of like-minded graziers . The project provided education and networking opportunities focused on all aspects of a grazing business to promote more sustainable , profitable enterprises , and more pasture cover to keep soil on land and reduce sediment runoff to the reef .
Education was a key component , with workshops and field days giving participants a chance to learn from each other and share knowledge . Supporting graziers to discuss practices with other graziers in a similar situation is key to building a resilient social fabric .
Grazier Jo Murphy , from Clothes Peg Station north of Hughenden , said the project had helped build resilience and improve their business . “ We have developed a supportive network that will get us through the hard times . I can only see that it ’ s going to benefit both graziers and our reef ," she said . Saving our Soils was funded by the Australian Government ' s Reef Trust .
SCOTTVILLE CLUSTER GROUP GETS GRAZIERS WORKING TOGETHER
Four geographically-based cluster groups are currently involved with the Landholders Driving Change ( LDC ) project , located at Scottville , Normanby Road , Bowen River and Little Bowen .
They formed because members saw the value in working together and sharing knowledge , skills and experiences . These cluster groups are self-directed , and supported by extension staff . In a peer group everything gets shared — what works , what doesn ’ t and why . Trust is key .
Scottville cluster group with members of the Landholders Driving Change team .
29