+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations
A Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries, PO Box 282, Charleville, Qld 4470, Australia.
B Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries, PO Box 519, Longreach, Qld 4730, Australia.
C Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries, PO Box 102, Toowoomba, Qld 4350, Australia.
D Formerly of the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries, PO Box 282, Charleville, Qld 4470, Australia.
E Corresponding author. Email: nicole.sallur@dpi.qld.gov.au
Abstract
This paper outlines the customisation of Environmental Management Systems (EMS) for the pastoral industry of western Queensland, the recruitment and training of pastoral producers, and their development and implementation of EMS. EMS was simplified to a 7-step process and producers were recruited to trial this customised EMS. Producers from 40 properties received EMS training, either as groups or individually. Of these, 37 commenced Pastoral EMS development through a facilitated approach that allowed them to learn about EMS while developing an EMS for their property. EMS implementation has been more effective with producers who were trained in groups. At this stage, however, most producers do not see value in EMS as there are currently no strong drivers to warrant continued development and implementation. Key findings resulting from this work were that personal contact and assistance is vital to encourage producers to trial EMS, and that a staged approach to EMS implementation, commencing with a self-assessment, is recommended. EMS training is most successful in a group situation; however, an alternative method of delivery should be provided for those producers who, either by choice or isolation, have to work alone. A support network is also necessary to encourage and maintain progress with EMS development and implementation, particularly where no strong drivers exist.
Acknowledgements
We wish to acknowledge the Natural Heritage Trust, the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, and the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries, Queensland for funding this project. We also acknowledge the invaluable contributions made by numerous staff within the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries, particularly Andrea Bull, Kirsten Forrest, Terry Beutel, Julie Frousheger and Roslyn Sharp. We would also like to especially thank the producers that gave up their valuable time to trial EMS in western Queensland pastoral industries. Despite drought and much hardship for the duration of the project they have always been a pleasure to work with and their feedback was invaluable. The feedback and assistance provided by Anna Ridley is also gratefully acknowledged in the development of this journal paper.
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