The Northern Hub partners with Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade to empower Territory communities in Rangeland Management

The Northern Hub, one of eight drought and innovation Hubs in Australia, is thrilled to announce the launch of an ambitious project aimed at delivering and expanding on-station 1-day courses for Rangeland Management in the Northern Territory (NT).

Developed in collaboration with the Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade (DITT), these courses are specifically designed for station staff who are new to the pastoral industry and will equip them with essential knowledge and skills in pasture management, land assessment, and forage availability.

Recognising the importance of tailored education, the Northern Hub has joined forces with DITT to develop customised course materials that cater specifically to the unique needs of Territory communities, including an additional new Central Australian course. By incorporating the latest research and best practices, these materials ensure that participants receive the most relevant and up-to-date information in the field of rangeland management.

The foundational courses will cover key elements such as pasture species identification, distinguishing palatable versus unpalatable pastures, safe utilisation rates, assessing land condition, and managing seasonal fluctuations in forage availability.

“To maximise profits in the long term it’s essential to match cattle numbers to pasture capacity. After taking this course, participants will have a better understanding of what to look for in assessing pasture condition,” says David Gallacher, a knowledge broker at the Northern Hub. “Coupled with their experience on the land, they’ll be better placed to make informed decisions and implement sustainable land management practices for the industry” he adds.

This project not only demonstrates the Northern Hub’s commitment to providing quality agricultural education but also showcases the collaboration between the Northern Hub and DITT to aid development and prosperity in local communities. The partnership exemplifies a shared vision for proactive and sustainable approaches to address the challenges posed by the changing natural environment.

This project is supported by the Northern Hub, through funding from the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund. For more information about the Northern Hub’s partnership with DITT and their commitment to empowering Northern Territory communities in Rangeland Management, please contact: Stacey Holzapfel at Stacey.Holzapfel@nt.gov.au.