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RESEARCH ARTICLE
Contents Vol 45(9)

The northern Australian beef industry, a snapshot. 4. Condition and management of natural resources

G. Bortolussi A D E , J. G. McIvor B , J. J. Hodgkinson B , S. G. Coffey C and C. R. Holmes A
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A CSIRO Livestock Industries, PO Box 5545, Rockhampton MC, Qld 4702, Australia.

B CSIRO Sustainable Ecosystems, Queensland Bioscience Precinct, 306 Carmody Road, St Lucia, Qld 4067, Australia.

C CSIRO Livestock Industries, Queensland Bioscience Precinct, 306 Carmody Road, St Lucia, Qld 4067, Australia.

D Present address: NRM Programs & Operations Group, NRM Support Division, Department of Water, Land and Biodiversity Conservation, GPO Box 2834, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia.

E Corresponding author. Email: greg.bortolussi@bigpond.com

Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture 45(9) 1109-1120 https://doi.org/10.1071/EA03262
Submitted: 30 November 2003  Accepted: 23 June 2004   Published: 10 October 2005

Abstract

Natural resource management practices were surveyed on 375 northern Australian beef properties in 8 regions during 1996–97. These producers represented a broad cross section of the beef industry in terms of geographical location, size of enterprise, and herd and ownership structures.

More than 48% of producers reported land degradation (erosion, salinity, weeds, etc.) and >68% reported woody weeds on their properties. Eucalypt (Eucalyptus and Corymbia spp.) and wattle (Acacia spp.) regrowth were universally common native woody weeds. Parkinsonia (Parkinsonia aculeata) was widespread across all survey regions occurring with the greatest frequency in northern regions. A range of native and exotic woody weed species were regionally significant. Brigalow (Acacia harpophylla) regrowth was mainly reported in the central Queensland and Maranoa South West regions. Prickly acacia (Acacia nilotica) was mainly reported in central and north-west Queensland. Rubber vine (Cryptostegia grandiflora) was mainly reported in northern Queensland with a significant presence in central coastal and north-west Queensland. Infestations with multiple weed species were common. Although many producers reported the presence of problem woody weeds, only 3–29% indicated that weed management was practised.

Most producers (67–100%) used fire. The intended purpose of fire varied across survey regions but fire was commonly used to reduce rank material, reduce fire risk, control woody weeds and for grazing management. Seasonal conditions and variability restricted fire use.

Assessment by visual observation was a commonly used practice for determining stocking rate. Between 4–20% of producers were using visual observation combined with some form of calculation of stocking rate at the end of the growing season to determine stocking rate. A majority (>67%) of producers used some form of paddock spelling or regeneration practice. Many producers (47–89%) considered that they used conservative stocking rates. Carrying sufficient stock to meet income requirements was significantly (P<0.05) correlated with the percentage of producers reporting woody weeds as a problem on their property.

In the 5 years preceding the survey, >66% of producers had increased the number of stock watering points, and more than 85% of producers had erected fencing. Most fencing was for new paddocks and laneways, or to replace old fences, and was not associated with new stock watering points. However, the installation of new stock watering points was associated with the creation of new paddocks. Planned future fencing focused on creating new paddocks or laneways or replacing old fences.

The results are discussed in relation to contemporary natural resource management issues and the future approaches to and challenges of implementing sustainable rangeland management.


Acknowledgments

Funding for this work was provided by the CSIRO Tropical Agri-Exports Multi-Divisional Project. We thank J. Stewart, chairman NABRC, for his support of the work; the numerous staff in Queensland Department of Primary Industries, Northern Territory Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries and Western Australia Department of Agriculture for their assistance in organizing the survey and providing valuable local information; D. Reid for his statistical advice; and A. C. Grice and D. M. Orr for their advice concerning the discussion.


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