The many initiatives that Longreach's James Walker has driven and positive impact he's made in a variety of areas have been recognised at the 2021 National Landcare Awards when he was announced as the runner-up for the Bob Hawke Landcare Award.
The award, which acknowledges an individual's leadership and commitment to Landcare, natural resource management and sustainable agriculture, was won by Victorian farmer Andrew Stewart.
Award presentations were made on Thursday night by Agriculture Minister David Littleproud as part of the Landcare national conference, held online this year due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Mr Littleproud congratulated his Maranoa constituent for his efforts in driving a more sustainable and productive future for the nation.
"Mr Walker should be incredibly proud of the impact he has made in protecting the natural resources in the Longreach community during these testing times," Minister Littleproud said.
"It takes selflessness and commitment to get out in all seasons and conditions and help your local community restore landscapes and care for the land and Mr Walker is certainly doing that.
"His work in organic certification agtech and renewable energy is helping to ensure productivity at the farmgate while also delivering better environmental outcomes into the future."
The Walkers own and operate an 8100ha organic, global animal partnership accredited cattle station, Camden Park, at Longreach, a base from which Mr Walker has launched numerous economic and sustainability projects, including encouraging the construction of a $29m solar farm on the property able to power 5000 homes.
With drought biting hard into western Queensland's economy, he worked on a number of means of building resilience, including Outback CEO summits that invited clever business minds from around the country to keep rural Australia's knowledge base viable.
"He created the Agrihive Farmecco digital platform to help other farmers understand and implement sustainable Landcare goals," Mr Littleproud said.
"The platform is helping to ensuring the natural systems of the landscape deliver viable and sustainable production outcomes in agriculture.
"He has also developed an innovative 'Floating Lease' to reflect seasonal conditions that is being prototyped commercially.
"Mr Walker should be incredibly proud of the impact he has made and continues to make in protecting the natural resources in the Longreach region.
"His tireless efforts are helping us secure the long term future of our environment and our productive agricultural lands - work that is of benefit now and for future generations."
IDEAS MAN:
The Bob Hawke Landcare Award is open to an individual who champions the uptake of sustainable agriculture practices and can demonstrate the adoption of improved practices among landholders as a consequence.
They will be closely involved in Landcare, and can demonstrate an outstanding commitment to local communities and drive community activity.
Queenslanders can now nominate for a state Landcare Award so they can go forward to the 2022 National Landcare Awards.
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Sally Gall
Based at Blackall, CW Qld, where I've raised a family, run Merino sheep and beef cattle, and helped develop a region - its history, tourism, education and communications. Get in touch at 0427 575 955 if you've got a story idea for me.
Based at Blackall, CW Qld, where I've raised a family, run Merino sheep and beef cattle, and helped develop a region - its history, tourism, education and communications. Get in touch at 0427 575 955 if you've got a story idea for me.
