Managing river country for beef cattle production in the Maranoa catchment

Australian Government (Caring for our Country program)

Landholder

Other

On-ground work

Queensland Wetlands Program (QWP) management case study

Australian Government (Caring for our Country program)

Landholder

(not documented)

(not documented)

(not documented)

Ongoing

Woodlands is a 30,000ha former sheep property that was purchased by Mr Ken Symes in 2004 to run cattle. The property is located in the Mulga Lands of south-west Queensland. The Maranoa River traverses the property. The property was in poor condition at purchase because of overgrazing and to improve production the landowner sought better management of pastures through strategic fencing, providing off-stream watering to restrict access to the riparian zone, re-seeding mixed forage species and better grazing management. All fencing that crossed the river was removed.

Restricting stock access to the riparian zone has improved water quality and stock have gained weight from having cleaner water and less distance to travel for water now that the off-stream watering points have been established. The on-ground works undertaken have been of economic benefit to the farm.

The landowner has learnt that the various wetlands he has on his property, including Murphy’s Lagoon and a number of grassy swamps, help support production during drought.

Managing river country for beef cattle production in the Maranoa catchment