MARANOA graziers are taking a new stance on land condition and biodiversity, after a field day at Havelock, Mitchell discussed the results of a rural program that was self-managed by graziers.

Graziers recently attended a field day at Havelock to hear the results of a project that monitored biodiversity and land conditions on commercial properties in the Maranoa region, which allows for the habitat improvement of species like the elusive Yakka Skink.

Havelock owners and managers Bim and Susan Struss said the results of their property’s health and biodiversity was proof they were managing sustainably.

“We have retained woody vegetation over large tracts of our property, even prior to the vegetation management laws being put in place,” Mr Struss said.

“We have great pride in our property and the biodiversity values that it retains while still trying to optimise production so that we can earn a living.

“Currently there is no financial incentive to retain native woody vegetation, but there is potential for this in the future.”

Col Paton from EcoRich Grazing, who helped manage the project, stated the results proved graziers could sustainably manage biodiversity with strategic land planning.

“This project has shown that graziers managing sustainably for good land health and grazing production outcomes are also managing for healthy biodiversity by retaining some woody vegetation in strategic locations across the properties,” he said.