Eight students from The University of Queensland (UQ) are furthering their studies and careers by researching the rangelands across southern Queensland this week.
The group includes students who are enrolled in the University’s unique “Rangelands Management” course conducted by the Faculty of Natural Resources, Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences (NRAVS).
Lecturer and tour coordinator Bruce Alchin said the tour, which runs from September 24 to 29, would provide be valuable to students to further their knowledge and develop career opportunities within the rangelands.
“In Australia the rangelands region covers 75 per cent of the countryside and accounts for a significant proportion of the nation’s wealth through cattle, sheep, tourism and mining” Mr Alchin said.
“The students all have a common interest in the rangelands, which they have incorporated into their studies for undergraduate degrees in agricultural science or applied science.”
The tour provides a highlight for students, for some offering their first visit to Western Queensland. The annual tour passes through Goondiwindi, St George, Mitchell, Roma, Morven, Charleville, Injune, Rolleston and Gayndah, providing opportunity for studying the main rangeland types in the Darling Downs, Maranoa, Burnett, Central and Western Queensland regions.
“The aim of the tour is to provide students with first hand experience of the region’s rangelands and the opportunity to examine various ecosystems, their condition and livestock management," Mr Alchin said.
"The students also enjoy the experience of staying in workers quarters and camping at show grounds.”
The students will be exposed to a wide variety of experiences while on tour, including working in the field with staff from Landcare and the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI & F). The students will also work with staff from various regional offices of the Department of Natural Resources and Mines (DNR & M) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) during their tour.
Mr Alchin said it was interesting for the students to meet UQ graduates who were now working with the government or in private enterprise.
The tour will also include study of the management of the mulga and Mitchell grass country, brigalow country west of Injune and "cell grazing", with the Gibson family, North of Rolleston. Three members of the Gibson family are UQ Gatton graduates. The final tour visit is to the Brian Pastures Research Station at Ban Ban Springs just south of Gayndah.
Media inquiries: Susanne Schick - UQ Gatton Campus (5460 1229, 0409 265 587).
Further information/comment: Bruce Alchin (0438 831 301).
