Wetland appraisal set to validate catchment value

The conservation value of wetlands in Queensland’s Murray-Darling and Bulloo Basins (QMDBB) have been re-evaluated in a comprehensive assessment, updated by the Department of Environment and Science (DES). 


Natural resource management group Southern Queensland Landscapes said DES has completed its Aquatic Conservation Assessment of the region using Aquatic Biodiversity and Mapping Methodology (AquaBAMM); with the full report released in December 2022. 

Knowledge & Information Support Officer Dr. Paul Webb said Aquatic Conservation Assessments (ACA), undertaken using AquaBAMM, provide a non-social, non-economic and tenure-blind assessment of wetland conservation values at a user-defined scale.

Riverine and non-riverine ACA results. 


“Assessments have been completed for the Border Rivers, Moonie, Condamine-Balonne, Maranoa, Wallam, Warrego, Paroo and Bullo hydrological basins; and separate assessments have been done for both riverine and non-riverine freshwater wetlands,” Paul Webb said. 


“This method draws on a combination of available data and expert opinion which provides a powerful decision support tool that is easily interrogated through Geographic Information Systems (GIS),” Dr Webb said. 


“ACA’s undertaken using AquaBamm are based on a series of criteria, indicators and measures founded upon a large body of national and international literature,” he said. 


“Measured data is then mathematically combined into scores at the indicator and criterion level and referenced against a filter table that is composed of a series of if/else statements that are then used to calculate the overall aquatic conservation score or AquaScore.”

The AquaBAMM hierarchical structure. 


Aquatic Conservation Assessment results have a variety of applications. 


“ACA’s can be used to determine Matters of State Environmental Significance (MSES), or determining priority areas of aquatic ecosystems to protect, regulate or rehabilitate,” Paul Webb said. 


“They can also drive on-ground investment, add to local and regional planning processes, or contribute to the understanding of impacts from large-scale developments.” Dr Webb said. 


“Water resource management and planning processes would also draw upon results from Aquatic Conservation Assessments,” he said. 


“All in all we look forward to using the revised assessments in our natural assets prioritisation to drive and support flourishing landscapes and healthy communities.”


The AquaBAMM methodology and assessment results (including summary report, expert panel reports and GIS data) can be accessed from the following websites:

 







Further details about AquaBAMM or the ACAs can be obtained by emailing: biodiversity.planning@qld.gov.au 

Whyalla Feedlot, Texas Qld

7 March 2025
Screen Type Self Cleaning, Self Propelled Cylinder Fish Screen Screen M anufacturer AWMA River Catchment Dumaresq River

Vacant Board Chair Position at SQ Landscapes

7 March 2025
Southern Queensland Landscapes is seeking an experienced and influential Board Chair to lead a multi-skilled Board in managing natural resources across Southern Queensland. This is a 3-year remunerated role based in Toowoomba, QLD, with the flexibility to manage from anywhere in Southern QLD. The ideal candidate will bring: • Substantial experience leading diverse Boards • Strong relationship-building and leadership skills • Expertise in environmental and agricultural matters This role is an opportunity to shape the future of natural resource management, working closely with land managers, community leaders, and industry professionals. Are you ready to make an enduring impact? For more details and to apply, visit www.windsor-group.com.au/job/board-chair-natural-resources-peak-body or contact Mike Conroy at apply@windsor-group.com.au.

We Farewell the Outgoing Board Chair, The Hon Bruce Scott AM

3 March 2025
This week marked the final Board meeting for retiring Southern Queensland Landscape Chair, The Hon Bruce Scott AM. The Southern Queensland Landscapes Board hosted a function at Gip’s restaurant in Toowoomba, joined by past Directors, industry stakeholders and the Southern Queensland Landscapes Management team, where Bruce was warmly acknowledged and thanked. Bruce offered special thanks to his dear wife Joan for her support during his period of service to Southern Queensland Landscapes, in particular the warm country hospitality she has offered to many visitors to Roma. Bruce also recognised and thanked Southern Queensland Landscapes Company Secretary Pam Murphy, who has supported Bruce in his service to Southern Queensland Landscapes since the organisation’s inception. 

Moolabah, St George Qld

17 February 2025
Screen Type Self Cleaning Floatation Fish Screen Screen M anufacturer KleenScreen, NZ River Catchment Balonne River

Wallumba Feedlot, Wieambilla Qld

17 February 2025
Screen Type Self Cleaning Cylindrical Fish Screen Screen M anufacturer AWMA River Catchment Condamine River

Burradoo Plains, Hopeland Qld

17 February 2025
Screen Type Self Cleaning Floatation Fish Screen Screen M anufacturer KleenScreen, NZ River Catchment Condamine Branch (Chinchilla Weir)

Struanville Farming Co, Bowenville Qld

12 February 2025
Screen Type Two Self Cleaning Cylindrical Screens Screen M anufacturer AWMA River Catchment Gowrie Oakey Creek

Coolibah, Condamine Qld

12 February 2025
Screen Type Self Cleaning Cylindrical Screen Screen M anufacturer AWMA River Catchment Condamine River
Condamine Headwater

Revitalising the Condamine Headwaters: A Testament to Community and Conservation

25 September 2024
The Condamine Headwaters, a critical ecosystem in Southern Queensland, has long faced threats from sedimentation, habitat degradation, and thermal regime changes. The Blackfish Project, dedicated to reversing these impacts, unites scientists, landowners, and the community in a shared mission to restore and protect this vital environment. At its core lies the river blackfish, a sensitive indicator of the overall ecosystem health.  Central to the project's success is the unwavering commitment of landowners like Paul Graham. Inspired by the project's vision, Paul reached out to SQ Landscapes seeking support for a solar pump and tank to divert his cattle away from waterways on his property. Paul's deep-rooted love for his land, captured in his humorous quip "I love my land more than I love my wife," is a testament to the powerful connection between people and place that drives conservation efforts.

Strategy on the Agenda at SQ Landscapes Board Meeting

by Caleb Back • 31 October 2023
The Board of Southern Queensland Landscapes recently met in Toowoomba. In addition to the Board meeting, Board and Executive worked through updating SQ Landscapes’ strategy. Company Secretary Pam Murphy highlighted the importance of the latest Board meeting and what it means for the company’s future. “The updated strategy will help SQ Landscapes deliver sustainable natural resource management (NRM) outcomes that improve the lives of people in regional communities now and for the future,” Pam Murphy said. “We’re excited to continue delivering value for our region and build Flourishing Landscapes and Healthy Communities across Southern Queensland under the guidance of the Board,” Mrs Murphy said.
More posts