Grazier and Farmer

SEPTEMBER 2019 EDITION NO. 17

The Mulga Man Remembering Scott Sargood ® PAGE 12

2 GRAZIER & FARMER

westernstarnews.com.au Tuesday, September 24, 2019

Welcome Welcome to the September edition of Grazier and Farmer.

As it starts to heat up into summer, its time to become fire aware. In this edition, we look at making your property bushfire prepared.

We also talk to St George teen Angus about winning most successful competitior at Ekka for the second year in a row.

Turning feedstock waste into renewable diesel on a commercial scale becomes closer to reality.

We take time to Remember the Mulga Man, Scott Sargood, and his achievements before his devastating accident in April on his home property.

The Billy Cart Derbv transformed Charleville into a race track and we have photos from the Day. We hope you enjoy reading the September edition of Grazier and Farmer.

Nicole McDougall

contact us EDITOR Jordan Philp, Phone: 07 4120 1017 Email: editorial@suratbasin.com.au ADVERTISING Greg Latta, Stephanie Stonehouse and Carly Everitt Western Star Phone 07 4672 9927 Email greg.latta@westernstarnews.com GENERAL MANAGER Erika Brayshaw Email: Erika.brayshaw@apn.com.au All material published in Grazier and Farmer is subject to copyright provisions. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior written permission for the publisher.

DISCLAIMER: The information contained within Grazier and Farmer is given in good faith and obtained from sources believed to be accurate.

The views expressed are not necessarily those of the publisher. The Western Star will not be liable for any opinion or advice contained herein.

HOLD ON: Lachlan Sheppard in action at the Calgary Stampede, where he won the rookies competition.

PHOTO: BILLIE-JEAN DUFF

Lachlan’s ride from small-town rodeos to Canada’s No.1 Ellen Ransley RODEO: The rodeo circuit of Canada and the US is a long way from Amby but Lachlan Sheppard isn’t fazed – he’s right where he wants to be.

Having just won the rookies competition at the Calgary Stampede, one of the largest rodeos in North America, 20-year-old Sheppard only got into rodeo three years ago.

Now he lives, breathes and studies it.

“I was always around people who were into rodeo and who rode broncs and I just always wanted to do it,” Sheppard said.

“I got a scholarship to go to Western Texas College and I practice rodeo twice a week with

school.

“Since summer break started in May I’ve been doing a rodeo circuit of Canada with the Canadian pro rodeo association and I won the novice comp at Calgary.

“I think I’m sitting first in Canada for the under-21s at the moment, which I guess is a pretty good achievement.”

Not fazed by the dangers posed in the sport, Sheppard isn’t keen on getting out of the saddle.

“I’m just going to keep going and keep trying to do my best,” he said.

“I’ve done more rodeos than I can count, I’ve kind of lost track. I’m going back to college soon for my second year but I still get

to do a fair bit of it at school.”

With three years of college to go, Sheppard isn’t ready to cement any future plans yet.

“I don’t know what I’ll do after” he said.

“But rodeo is huge over here, it’s a lot bigger than it is in Australia.

“I’ve been given such a great opportunity and the horses are just so much better.”

❝

Rodeo is huge over here, it’s a lot bigger than it is in Australia.

— Lachlan Sheppard

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Crowd of competitors flock to Eumamurrin Campdraft Organisers impressed with the successful turn-out considering tough drought conditions which makes it a great spectator sport,” Campdraft co-ordinator and local resident Jane Lee said. “You only get one shot and that’s it.”

“The Clark family of Eurumbah Grazing donated the cattle for the Restricted Open because their late father Charlie loved watching it and was also a strong competitor in it himself.”

Organisers were grateful that they were able to hold the event after other

campdrafts have been cancelled due to a lack of stock because of the tough season.

“The crowd was down a little bit due to other functions and because of the season, but we drew a good crowd of local competitors as well as from Goondwindi, Warwick, Dalby and Chinchilla,” Jane said.

“We had seven local families donate cattle which were in really good nick considering the dry.

“It’s a great way for our community to come together because we walk the cattle in, with the furthest property being 20 kilometres away.

“All the kids wanted the day off school to help so at one stage there were more kids than cattle on the road.”

Senex Energy Community Relations Manager Trevor Robertson said Senex was proud to sponsor the Restricted Open.

“Senex is proud to work with its communities and the

Restricted Open is a case of rider and horse working together, much like Senex and

landholders working together to support their communities,” he said.

❝

The campdraft is a fantastic event which helps keep the community of Eumamurrin together by raising funds that will go towards maintaining the Euramurrin Hall and facilities

Brendan Fitzgerald on his horse Rosette.

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ONE hundred and seventy competitors had more than 800 first-round runs at the 10-event Eumamurrin Campdraft earlier this month, with organisers declaring it a great success.

Roma’s Brendan Fitzgerald and his horse Rosette beat 50 competitors to win the Senex Energy-sponsored Restricted Open for the second year in a row.

“The Restricted Open is the highlight of our program because it’s a shoot-out,

4 GRAZIER & FARMER

westernstarnews.com.au Tuesday, September 24, 2019

KEEN INTEREST: Angus Haynes, 15, loves to enter as many cattle judging and showing events as he can and had a very successful run at the Ekka this year.

PHOTOS: CONTRIBUTED

Ekka win is twice as nice Angus Haynes named Most Successful Competitor of the Cattle Section for second year running THIS year’s Ekka was a success story for St George teen Angus Haynes, who took home the title of Most Successful Competitor of the Cattle Section for the second year in a row.

To keep hold of his title, the 15-year-old racked up the awards, being named School Steer Judging Champion, coming first in the RNA Open Prime Judging, runner-up in the state final, taking third

place in the RNA Open Stud Cattle Judging and was a finalist in the 14–15 years Paraders Competition.

Angus’s love for cattle runs in the family and he spends many of his weekends at his grandparents’ charolais stud in the Brisbane Valley while he is away for school.

With his keen interest, Angus has entered many cattle judging and showing events.

“I like all of the junior events but I really enjoy the

judging competitions,” he said.

“I try to go in as many as I can at the local shows.

“I really like the feedback that you can get from those types of competitions and next year I am hoping to have one of my own steers in the Ekka prime cattle.”

Dad Scott said he was extremely proud of his son’s Ekka achievement.

“It’s a great achievement, especially to come away with winning it two years in a row,”

Mr Haynes said.

Young judging competitions are giving the next generation of producers, competitors and judges a step into the ring.

Mr Haynes said it helped young people like Angus to understand the more technical parts with what to look for in breeding stock.

“Also with young judges they have to stand up and do public speaking so that’s a really good quality to have, to be able to stand up in front of

hundreds of people and do public speaking,” he said.

“So that’s one of the things I really like about it and Angus naturally wouldn’t be probably a good public speaker but because he’s so passionate about what he’s doing he can stand up there

❝

and it’s like the crowd doesn’t exist and just rattles off what he thinks.”

Mr Haynes said Angus would go on to do something agricultural with his career but at only 15 was just looking forward to next show season.

I really like the feedback that you can get ...

— Angus Haynes

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Tuesday, September 24, 2019 westernstarnews.com.au

Schoolboy raises $1.5 million in 12 months for farmers Young Jack Berne is living proof that age is no barrier to making a difference in people’s lives

SMALL BUT MIGHTY: A Fiver for a Farmer founder Jack Berne, 11, speaks to kids at Chinchilla State School about taking action for positive change. schools across Australia and raised not only vital funds for farmers in need but awareness of one of the worst droughts in history.

“I first learnt about what farmers were going through after we watched a Behind the Scenes news video about the ongoing drought at school,” Jack said.

“I couldn’t stop thinking about how hard things had become for Australian farmers but I had no idea what I could do to help so I spoke to my whole family – my mum, dad, sister and even my granddad – but they didn’t know what we could do either.”

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Jack decided to reach out for help and started sending out emails from his mother’s computer, contacting as many television and radio stations as he could to try and get the message out there.

Within days he had caught the attention of Channel 7’s Sunrise program and the rest is history, with A Fiver for a Farmer raising $20,000 in the first 14 hours alone.

Within six weeks Jack had managed to raise $1 million and became a household name around the nation, receiving praise from media personalities and politicians, including Prime Minister

Scott Morrison and former PM Malcolm Turnbull.

Western Downs grain farmer Greg Evans told the Chinchilla News he was inspired by Jack’s go-get-’em attitude and generous spirit when he saw the initial news report last year.

“As a farmer I was really touched by Jack’s initiative and have been impressed by just how far the campaign has come,” Mr Evans said.

“All the fundraising has added up and Jack’s small idea has grown into something amazing.”

Now a year on from the first free-dress day at his school and more than 1100 schools

across the country registered with A Fiver for a Farmer, Jack said he was still the same kid just trying to do something good for someone else.

Jack and mum Prue travelled all the way to Chinchilla, a small regional town in southwest Queensland, last week to pay a visit to the Drought Angels, one of the charities supported by A Fiver for a Farmer.

“I’m really grateful to my family, they supported me and told me to go for this,” he said.

“My mum runs around like a headless chook looking

after me and helping me make a difference for our farmers.”

The well-spoken young man also met with Chinchilla’s local schoolchildren to share his story and message.

During his speech at Chinchilla State School, Jack told students they shouldn’t let their age hold them back.

“My mum always says to me ‘even though you are small, you have a mighty voice’ and that’s what I want other kids to know,” he said.

“Just because we are young doesn’t mean we can’t try and make a difference.”

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HE MAY be the smallest kid in his Year 5 class but to farmers across Australia 11-year-old Jack Berne is a big deal.

The young student has been the driving force behind raising $1.5 million in just over 12 months for drought-stricken farmers through the “A Fiver for a Farmer” campaign he created.

In mid-2018 Jack started the campaign at his Northern Sydney primary school with the first free-dress day held, encouraging students to dress as a farmer and donate $5 to the drought appeal.

His campaign spread to

PHOTO: KATE MCCORMACK

*images for illustration purposes only.

6 GRAZIER & FARMER

westernstarnews.com.au Tuesday, September 24, 2019

Cubbie Station

Water contribution part of joint ownership deal that will have Culgoa River and Lower Balonne streams flowing again in critical times BALONNE will now benefit from voluntary water contribution of up to 10GL as part of the joint ownership agreement between Shandong Ruyi and Macquarie Agriculture, announced in August for Cubbie Station.

An agricultural fund managed by Macquarie Infrastructure and Real Asset acquired a 49 per cent stake in Cubbie Station and associated assets, including its cotton gin with Ruyi retaining 51 per cent.

As part of the joint ownership agreement, MIRA and Ruyi have entered into a binding commitment to voluntarily contribute water to the Culgoa River and Lower Balonne intersecting streams (Lower Balonne) following extended dry periods.

Cubbie Agriculture Chief Executive Officer Paul Brimblecombe said the joint venture between Ruyi and

Macquarie would not only provide a long tenure of employment for current employees, but would have enormous social and environmental benefits.

Where the environmental demand for, and value of, water is greatest following extended dry periods, there are existing rules which act to reduce the volume of water that can be extracted by users by 10 per cent for up to five days.

“Our long-term arrangement will be working with the department and determining the appropriate contribution, with Cubbie now being in the position to contribute 50 per cent of entitlements over a five-day period when water is in critical need of rush,” Mr Brimblecombe said.

“This increase will freshen up water holes, create appropriate habitats for fish, which will see social benefits being gained by this

replenishment including sustainability for farming operations.”

The agreement provides a stable and long-term ownership structure, providing continuity of employment for Cubbie’s 42 employees and supporting local communities in Dirranbandi, St George and surrounding districts.

The Federal Member for Maranoa and Minister for Water Resources, David Littleproud, believes this will provide job security for people in the community.

“The station directly employs more than 50 people at full production in and around Dirranbandi and dozens more contractors who service the station,” he said.

“This is the largest private employer in the Balonne Shire, employing local farming, irrigation and agronomy contractors, as well as buying their supplies locally.”

WATER DEAL: A 49 per cent stake in Cubbie Station and its cotton gin has been sold as part of a joint ownership deal.

PHOTO: CASSANDRA GLOVER “The deal will give certainty to communities doing it tough in the Northern Basin as they push through the drought.

“They can rest assured that once it rains money will start flowing into people’s pockets, and on into business like the local pub and IGA.” Mr Brimblecombe is ecstatic that Cubbie Station has found a like-minded partner in MIRA who shares the vision of making the Voluntary Water Contribution an enduring commitment which will see water preserved for environmental purposes.

“Since Ruyi acquired Cubbie Station in 2012 it has invested over $26 million to

maintain and improve the efficiency of Cubbie’s operations, spent over $25 million acquiring and upgrading the Dirranbandi ginnery, and funded major low-season maintenance programs providing great support for the local community through the drought cycle,” he said.

“We are excited to continue making a difference in the communities in which Cubbie operates.”

MIRA Head of Agriculture Liz O’Leary said: “Cubbie is one of Australia’s premier agricultural assets and aligns with our investment thesis for long-term sustainable farming operations.

“MIRA has been an active investor in and manager of Australian farmland for more than 10 years and we understand the responsibilities that we have to local communities and investors. Shandong Ruyi has a long-term track record of sustainable operation of Cubbie and that is a commitment we share with them.

“The Voluntary Water Contribution that we have announced today is a meaningful commitment that will increase the volume of water in the Culgoa River and Lower Balonne intersecting streams, at the most critical times.”

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Labor votes to continue car rego rip off The LNP’s push to save Queensland drivers from another inflation-busting car rego increase has been voted down by the Palaszczuk Labor Government.

Ann Leahy REGIONAL Queenslanders don’t have access to a bus, a train, a ferry or public transport like those who live in the metropolitan area of the State.

Regional Queenslanders rely on the family car to get to and from work, the doctor, or take their children to and from school.

Annastacia Palaszczuk and the State Labor Government have hit drivers with a 2.25% hike in car registration – despite the State Government’s own Budget papers stating CPI was just 1.75%.

Queenslanders already pay the biggest registration bills in Australia and now Labor is scalping them with another unjustifiable registration hike.

The State Labor Government said it would peg registration increases to inflation, but once again they have broken their promise.

It is scandalous that Labor is gouging drivers while doing nothing to deal with $4 billion renewal backlog for the State’s road network.

Annastacia Palaszczuk increased registration by an eye-watering 3.5% for four

years in a row before mounting anger from motorists forced Labor to announce an inflation-linked index for registration.

By contrast, the last LNP Government froze registration for three years in a row.

Regional Queensland families are struggling to pay their bills, but Annastacia Palaszczuk couldn’t care less as her State Government have slugged Queenslanders with 10 new or increased taxes since the election.

Queenslanders just can’t afford Labor.

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westernstarnews.com.au Tuesday, September 24, 2019

Rural fire safety reminder Time to burn off has passed but there is much more to a bushfire readiness plan Shannon Hardy AFTER a long, dry winter the Queensland Fire and Emergency Service and Rural Fire Service are asking property owners to make sure they are ready for fire season.

Although the time for hazard reduction burns has passed there are still many ways to ensure your property is safe and accessible should a fire break out.

Inspector Warren Buckley from the Dalby QFES said one important move for people to make was to clean up around their houses before fire season.

“Sparks from some of these fires can get a couple of kilometres ahead of the fire so we might be under ember attack,” Mr Buckley said.

“If you’ve got leaves in your gutters, leaves around the outside, car bodies outside with leaves in them, if we get sparks inside them and embers inside them, they’re going to burn.

“So we ask people, make sure your gutters are clean, make sure you’ve got hose that can access all parts of your residence, your sheds and any valuable assets outside.”

Ensuring that your property is accessible to emergency services is another area landowners can be prepared.

Mr Buckley said low hanging trees could be among the hazards that blocked driveways and access points to a property.

“We’re asking people to clean up their properties, we’re asking people to make sure the trucks can get in,” he said.

If you’re unsure whether a QFES or RFS truck will be able to fit through entryways or driveways on your property, Mr Buckley has a simple measurement test.

“If they can get a normal cattle truck down there, we’ll be able to get ours.”

Once your property is accessable to emergency services and you have

cleaned up any materials that could become fire hazards, there are a few more things you can look at.

Acting area director for Rural Fire Service Darling Downs John Welke said they asked people have water points accessible to firefighters with a 50mm male camlock.

“Ideally if people had those water points marked, both physically at the water point itself as an available water point and on a map of their property, (also) showing things like fence lines, access points, gate ways… any fire break infrastructure that’s been installed.

“Any of those things that can help responding crews when coming on to people’s property to be the most efficient we can be and minimise the damage and impact to people’s properties.”

Mr Welke said the opportunity for hazard reduction burning had probably passed for the vast majority of land owners, but they could take proactive measures to ensure they had firefighting equipment on their property, serviced, available and full of water ready to go.

“That’s things like their dozers or graders or tractors with buckets are all available in safe working order and where possible people have constructed fire breaks around assets and infrastructure like cattle yards or bores or things out in the paddock that are high value to land owners.”

Mr Welke also said because it had been dry, and many areas were short on feed or available grass, there was a chance that complacency could come in.

“Some people may have the opinion that because it’s been dry we won’t get much of a fire season but certainly from our perspective we’re anticipating that we’ll actually see more protracted fires, more protracted forest fires this year and just because there’s not thousands of acres of standing grass people still need to be prepared.”

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Aussie Helpers cleared of inappropriate financial conduct After a six-month investigation, rural assistance charity Aussie Helpers has been cleared by the Australian Charities and Not-For-Profits Commission for the organisation of inappropriate financial conduct James Liveris AUSSIE Helpers supports hundreds of farming families affected by the drought each year in southwest Queensland.

This year Aussie Helpers distributed much-needed financial aid to farmers in Roma, Chinchilla and Dalby, delivering Visa cards to several families.

The Visa cards allow farmers to use the money for whatever they need most and provide a boost to local businesses at the same time.

However due to a number of adverse claims on social

media regarding financial wrongdoings, the organisation approached the commission in October 2018 for confirmation that it was meeting its reporting obligations.

A defamation case in relation to those claims is currently before the courts.

Aussie Helpers chief executive Natasha Kocks said she welcomed the commission’s findings and was proud to share the news with the volunteers and supporters who worked hard to help Australian farmers.

“Aussie Helpers are proud to have been cleared by the ACNC and this means we can

KEEP ON TRUCKING: The financial reports for drought charities Aussie Helpers and Rural Aid have been released.

PHOTO: TREVOR VEALE focus on what’s most important – helping our farmers,” Ms Kocks said.

“The ACNC confirmed Aussie Helpers’ reporting compliance but also elected to launch a more thorough investigation of the charity’s processes.

“The ACNC has found that the money donated to help

Aussie farmers goes exactly where we say it does, which is into the pockets of Aussie farmers who are in need.

“The only requirements that have been raised by the ACNC are updates to some of our systems, processes and policies.”

In what started as a $20 raffle, Ms Kocks said the

organisation had grown so fast since that it was not surprising there were some internal protocols that needed to be brought up to speed.

“I would like to also thank the members of the community who’ve continued to support Aussie Helpers and donate over the course of the investigation,” Ms Kocks said.

“Your donations have kept farming families going.

“In the past year, Aussie Helpers received $8.3 million in generous donations and had already passed on 83.5 per cent of the funds straight into the hands of struggling farmers.

“As expected of all charities, there are operational costs of running a non-profit, such as transporting donations or covering overheads, so to be able to deliver such a huge amount directly to farmers is a fantastic effort.”

Addressing the defamation suit, Ms Kocks said it was important for Aussie Helpers to clear its name.

“We want to move forward and focus on one thing and that’s supporting rural Australians experiencing poverty, social isolation and hardship,” Ms Kocks said.

“We would like to encourage anyone wanting to support farmers and their families to make a donation or volunteer their time.

“You could save a life.”

To find out more about Aussie Helpers, visit www.aussiehelpers.org.au.

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Tuesday, September 24, 2019 westernstarnews.com.au

Hose doctors happy in Roma Growing business supports locals with commitment to quality customer service

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The addition of Tim Holberton, a Roma local in November 2017 and a further local recruit starting later this year, Enzed now employs three staff with two mobile service vehicles.

Couple the growing staff number with a recent move into a larger workshop on Spencer Street south, it is clear that Enzed is creating firm foundations within the town and surrounds.

Wife Emily enjoys the relaxed and friendly atmosphere of the town while son Alexander, 4, is attending St Johns Kindergarten and starts prep at St Johns Catholic school in January 2020.

Daughter Elizabeth, 2, loves the library and local parks.

With the relocation of the family from Chinchilla to Roma, it is safe to say that Enzed is here to stay.

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12 GRAZIER & FARMER

westernstarnews.com.au Tuesday, September 24, 2019

Scott John Sargood aka —The Mulga Man

Remembering the man who worked to save the Mulga lands from unfair vegetation practice SCOTT was no stranger to drought, being born during the 1965 drought in Blackall to parents Bob and Robyn Sargood.

He grew up in Tambo where his parents owned the Tambo dairy and according to many of the locals was seen riding his bike or pony through the street after school to get the cows in.

After completing school and two years at Longreach Pastoral College he travelled overseas to America where he travelled the shearing circuit, learning to shear in sub zero conditions with a very entertaining group of Mexicans.

On his return to Australia he worked helping his parents at Manresa during the drought — pushing Mulga in a BTD six to feed the cattle as well as kangaroo shooting

to make a living.

Scott and Adma were married in 1987 and they continued working in a shearing team during the week and working on Manresa feeding cattle until 1989 when they took up a position at Westquarter and then Toolmaree near Tambo for two years.

Scott decided that jackerooing was not going to get him where he wanted to be and it was then he decided to buy his first Gyrocopter named Wirraway (an Aboriginal word meaning "challenge") after a training and general purpose military aircraft manufactured in Australia by the Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation (CAC) between 1939 and 1946. A challenge it certainly was.

A single seater aircraft with no cabin and after six months

training he proudly arrived home with his bright yellow machine on the back of a Toyota in December 1990, just after the birth of son Mitch.

Scott was fanatical about his gyro and trouble loomed when the resident peacock at Toolmaree decided that the rotors were a great place to roost.

After many attempts to relocate the villain and fencing off the machine in the shed, the hapless creature finally disappeared one day.

After weeks of searching everyone gave up looking deciding he had fallen prey to the foxes until one day Scott flew over the house tank and called out over the two way in his iconic, witty, broad Australian accent" Marto I found yer Peacock — he musta moved house to roost

on the house tank last week and what's left of him is still in there.. We've been drinking, washing our dishes and showering with him all week!"

After 12 months on a sheep property in the Blackall area contract flying the family moved to Southampton Downs to work for the Carey family from Charleville.

It was here his love of the Mulga Lands truly started as he mustered at Wallal for Richard and Sue Carey and also started contract mustering on weekends.

Bonnie was born while they were at Southampton and it was commonplace to see either of the children in the Gyro with Scott flying over the house waving down at their mortified mother.

Many weekends were spent aerial mustering feral

goats in the ranges of Mount McQuarie and the Mulga Lands around Charleville. In the years following while working for Scott Harris he bought Downlands and Walton Downs selling both to eventually buy his first Mulga Block "Belrose” in 2006.

Yet again in drought, Scott moved to Belrose taking all the cows with him to feed Mulga behind the dozers while Adma stayed at Southampton feeding the weaners and travelling to Belrose on Weekends.

Finally in December 2014 Scott and Adma bought Halton Station half way between Charleville and Morven, and shortly after that “Bundoo".

In 2015 Scott featured in a Bloomberg Business Video called “How farmers survive the world’s worst drought”.

This went viral internationally and kick started Scott’s fight for the Mulga lands against the unfair Vegetation Management Laws.

In 2018 Bonnie and Mitch spirited Scott into the social media world where his Facebook page amassed a great following from people not only in Australia but overseas as well.

Scott joined other locals and spoke at a public Vegetation Management hearing in Charleville which was attended by politicians from both sides and hundreds of graziers from around the Mulga lands and beyond.

When asked by the Labour minister if he thought he could work the problem out he responded in his usual frank, honest entertaining

GRAZIER & FARMER 13

Tuesday, September 24, 2019 westernstarnews.com.au

REMEMBERED: Scott Sargood.

PHOTOS: CONTRIBUTED manner: "Oh yeah, absolutely, I've never not been able to work anything out — it's the people I'm working with that can't work it out!"

In May 2018 he campaigned a private petition to the Labour Government which required 10,000 signatures but ending up with 17,500. He personally attended the Brisbane Green Shirts (of which he was a founding member) demonstration day outside the front of Parliament House. As predicted, the Premier Annastacia Palaszchuk and her Deputy Jackie Trad did not arrive to receive the petition so it was delivered to Deb Frecklington Opposition leader.

He hosted numerous television channel crews and politicians and graziers at Halton trying to get the message out to the south-east corner voters about the injustice of the Vegetation Management Laws, concentrating of course on the Mulga Lands.

These posts were delivered with the passion and humour that only Scott could deliver including Baby the dairy cow eating the Mulga decorations before the camera crews arrived and Miss Carol the Drought survivor that had over 34,5000 views from all over the world.

In collaboration with Queensland Water and Land Carers of which he was the South West Director — he erected at 40 metre sign at the front of Halton Station to help travellers understand what Mulga was all about as well another at Toompine.

Very soon travellers were stopping every day to read the sign and Scott loved nothing better than chatting to them to explain it in more detail.

Even the most hardened Greenie was able to listen and agree with his honest hands-on reasoning and it frustrated him that he could not get through to the government.

Many people drove away with a clearer understanding of what the correct management of Mulga meant to farmers and also to Charleville and other Mulga towns businesses and the future welfare of the Mulga Lands people. Most of them also had a change of voting heart!

Numerous television and radio interviews and newspaper stories were conducted in his quest to get the Mulga Lands story including Bon Dobbin and ABC radio and the American Bloomberg Business Footage all of which received outstanding results and is still receiving views on YouTube.

Scott wore many hats: An outstanding cattleman who managed to not only keep but increase his Certified Organic santa gertrudis cattle through seven straight years of drought.

He was a fiercely competitive sportsman who played at state level many times and who loved to coach younger polocrosse players throughout Queensland, a kind compassionate animal and nature lover, a dedicated family man and an astute business man with a work ethic many can only aspire to have, He also was a member of South West NRM and of Ag Force.

He was tragically killed while mustering on his property in his beloved Mulga Lands on April 9, 2019, at 54 years of age.

Words that have been used to describe Scott: ● Champion of the Mulga Lands ● One of Queensland most prominent and respected Graziers ● Humble ● Hard working ● Proactive bush bloke His was a rags to riches story - everything he did, he did himself.

As Ann Leahy said: "He cared so much about the environment and the welfare of people's livestock, and he

had a way of making a complex thing practical.

"We've lost one of our best.”

Scott was hugely popular in polocrosse circles and Queensland patron Howard Hobbs described him as "a real goer".

"Scott was one of those larger than life people — he worked hard and he played hard, and he made things happen.

"He always had a great turn of phrase and could entertain a crowd for hours.

"But importantly, he always looked on the bright side and gave young people encouragement."

Country Life Newspaper said: “He did it his way, and what a way it was.”

To the strains of Frank Sinatra's best-known song, more than a thousand people

laughed and cried as they remembered the life of their mate, Scott Sargood, at a memorial service at the Toowoomba Showgrounds.

Many at the service were wearing green shirts and others carried lapel badges of buffel grass and mulga sprigs in honour of the man who was known across Australia's eastern seaboard as a voice for common sense in Queensland's vegetation management debate.

Among "Scotty's Top

❝

Quotes" listed in the service booklet were a number of homegrown gems such as "lf you bite off more than you can chew, chew faster" and "A setback is a setup for a comeback".

Blackall Tambo Mayor Andrew Martin said: “His incredible work ethic was cause for both admiration and plenty of laughs in the afternoon, especially when it touched on the many unsuspecting backpackers that worked with him.”

Working for a man with a light on his hat and on the back of his car - you know they're there for a reason."

— Mr Sargood

14 GRAZIER & FARMER

westernstarnews.com.au Tuesday, September 24, 2019

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Tuesday, September 24, 2019 westernstarnews.com.au

Govt committed to halting march of Prickly Acacia MP promises to fight pest despite state government reversal

MEMBER for Maranoa David Littleproud has confirmed the Federal Government will press ahead with fighting prickly acacia without the Queensland Government who reneged on their half of a $10 million deal.

Minister Littleproud said the program was going ahead despite the state Labor government pulling out.

“This has to be one of the lowest political acts in Queensland’s history,” Minister Littleproud said.

“Prickly acacia has already taken hold near places like Longreach and Winton where it’s causing big problems.

“This insidious weed cuts pasture production and makes it hard for stock to get to water.

“Floods can spread its seed to new areas so it’s important we get onto this quickly.

“This is too important – we can’t let prickly acacia get the upper hand so the Coalition Government will press ahead with our $5 million without the state government’s $5 million.

“Since the State Government won’t take part the Commonwealth will be looking for delivery partners to run the program.

“I hope state government come to their senses and restore the $5 million promised for this program.”

The prickly acacia has taken hold in places like Longreach and Winton.

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16 GRAZIER & FARMER

westernstarnews.com.au Tuesday, September 24, 2019

BIG IDEAS: AgBioEn plans to build a plant at Katunga that will transform feedstock waste into renewable diesel and bio-jet fuel.

PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED

Feedstock waste to become renewable diesel in Australian first Biofuels that cut carbon emissions by 50 per cent and leave minimal waste products in pipeline Petra Oates A RENEWABLE energy company is about to become the first in Australia to use specialised technology to produce renewable biofuels on a commercial scale.

By 2023 the company’s plant is expected to produce 150 million litres of renewable diesel and bio-jet fuel for commercial sale annually, with the first fuel expected to be produced by next June.

AgBioEn plans to build a plant at Katunga that will transform feedstock waste into renewable diesel and bio-jet fuel.

The feedstock will be sourced from land AgBioEn plans to lease, buy and share-farm to crop for fuel production, as well as provide grain and animal feed to the agricultural market.

Program director Lubey

❝

It’s all about reducing emissions and turning every available resource into a revenue stream

— Lubey Lozevski

Lozevski said the renewable fuels would cut carbon emissions by 50 per cent compared with fossil fuels and would leave “almost no waste products”.

“It’s all about reducing emissions and turning every available resource into a revenue stream,” he said.

Under the process, carbon dioxide is captured and liquefied.

Similarly, oxidised bio-char – or ash – is produced for fertiliser.

AgBioEn investor Charles Hunting said the project aimed to establish a carbon-negative supply chain.

“All of the biomass that we’re creating actually absorbs carbon as it grows, whereas fossil fuels absorbed the carbon billions of years ago and it has absolutely no value for us today,” Mr Hunting said.

AgBioEn said it aimed to create more than 1000 jobs in the Goulburn Valley.

“The intent is to have all local employees in the facility,” Mr Lozevski said.

The company also plans to establish 40ha of glasshouses in Katunga, run on renewable fuel and energy, with the help of local tomato grower and agricultural investor Peter Vandengoor, from Katunga Fresh produce.

Making the most of feedstock waste.

GRAZIER & FARMER 17

Tuesday, September 24, 2019 westernstarnews.com.au

The essence of farming life There is no denying the pivotal role farms and farmers play in the continued prosperity and advancement of our nation and in recognition of this, News has produced the maiden edition of the South West Queensland Farming Guide THIS comprehensive and in-depth publication is a must-have for every farmer, offering insight into every essence of farming and agricultural life.

From calving and beekeeping through to cropping and animal health, there is plenty here for all.

The publication a mix of inspiration and no-nonsense practical advice and tips, broken down into concise and easily understandable sections.

If cattle are your business, this publication outlines everything from identifying major breeds and choosing the right bull to pregnancy testing, vaccinating, drenching and castrating.

The best veterinary advice on common problems such as mastitis, pink eye and the notiďŹ able Bovine Johne’s Disease has been sought to ensure the publication is as informative and up-to-date as possible There are chapters on all the major farm animals, including horses, goats, pigs and poultry.

There is expert advice on farm fencing,

buying and maintaining farm machinery and controlling pests such as foxes, rabbits and kangaroos.

From the best suited cattle dogs through to achieving successful drainage on your property, we have every avenue covered in this comprehensive and in-depth maiden edition of the South West Queensland Farming Guide.

We hope we can play our part in continuing to strengthen the already thriving industries that are our farming and agricultural sectors and strongly believe this publication will be a handy companion for farmers now and into the future.

This fantastic limited edition publication is available to readers of Western Downs Farmer by simply cutting out the coupon featured in this edition of Western Downs Farmer and presenting it to the front counter of Dalby Herald, Chinchilla News, Western Star, Balonne Beacon, or Western Times.

Do not miss out on your opportunity to become the most resourceful and successful farmer possible thanks to the incredible South West Queensland Farming Guide.

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GRAZIER & FARMER 19

Tuesday, September 24, 2019 westernstarnews.com.au

A carriage ride back in time

Crowds lap up historic Cobb and Co Festival, which boosts economy and puts Surat on the map

“PICK up the mail from Surat and take it to Yuleba.”

Those were the simple instructions two local families received when they boarded the coach driven by horseman Don Ross, embarking as part of the Cobb and Co festival last month.

The situation escalated quickly as the coach was held up by the CrackUp Sisters and water-pistol-slinging bushrangers.

Will Frith, father of one of the families on board, said it was one of the more comical trips he had taken.

“The kids put up a fight, throwing left and rights holding on to most of the gold,” he said.

“Unfortunately for the bushrangers, by the time they caught up to us the kids had eaten most of the gold coins.”

The charade was part of many festival firsts, including a bullock team visiting towns around the region, a long-table dinner, popular country musician Tania Kernaghan performing live and Yuleba becoming a theatre set for a night, hosting the live-action Drama in the Street.

Grandfather Jim Wilby, who was riding on top of the coach, said the Cobb and Co festival was tremendous.

“It’s a great thing for the town, there is a lot of local history to be taught and it’s great everyone is embracing it,” he said.

“On Friday night the Surat State School choir got up on stage and sang I Am Australian with Tania Kernaghan, that’s something they’ll never forget.”

The festival was spread across nine days from August 17–25, triple its usual duration, and organiser Paul Masson said the 95th anniversary was a

huge success.

“It was fantastic,” he said.

“Everything went really well, all the feedback has been positive and everyone is excited for the centenary.”

Final numbers were still to be confirmed, however Mr Masson said the crowds thrived in each town when you took into account those from all the schools, aged-care homes and foreign visitors.

“We had 31 carriages, 90 horse riders and the Cobb and Co coach passing through each town,” he said.

“To put it in perspective, Friday night in Surat the gun club sold 600 steaks.

“It was fantastic for the town. Surat is a mecca for grey nomads but it just swelled, the markets were terrific that drew a large crowd and what’s more people hung around for the whole week.

“Visitors are still in Yuleba as we speak.”

Mr Masson said the event

wouldn’t have been possible without the volunteers.

“Thank you to all the volunteers and community groups that have supported the event, it would have been impossible without you,” he said.

“From the people who delivered the food, to the pilot vehicles, the bushrangers and all our sponsors, we are extremely grateful for your support.

“Maranoa Regional Council have been fantastic, as well as all the local gas companies.

“People enjoy the show but there are a lot of people involved behind the scenes that get it off the ground, both committee members and volunteers.”

At the end of the festival, Mr Masson said, the mail made it to Yuleba.

“People posted mail in Surat from all over the eastern seaboard of Australia and even one

couple from New Zealand,” he said.

“The festival has not only been a great boost economically but it has also put us on the map.

“People have already told us they will be back in five years.”

HISTORY IN ACTION: Cobb and Co Festival is a big hit with participants and visitors.

❝

Thank you to all the volunteers and community groups that have supported the event, it would have been impossible without you

— Mr Masson

PHOTOS: JAMES LIVERIS

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James Liveris

admin@maranoaminimotors.com.au 182 Raglan St (Mitchell Rd), Roma QLD 4455, Australia Phone: (07) 4622 4819 After Hours Emergencies - 0427 223 096

20 GRAZIER & FARMER

westernstarnews.com.au Tuesday, September 24, 2019

Lachlan Delforce.

Billy Cart Derby a great success for Charleville AYRE Street was transformed into a makeshift race track for inaugural Charleville Billy Cart Derby held on Saturday, September 7, and attracted 42 carts from around the region.

Residents of the Murweh Shire really got behind this event and turned out to barrack for the contestants. The Charleville Police, in partnership with the HOPE Program, applied and received funding from Australian Drug Foundation to stage this community led alcohol free event.

The brainchild of Inspector Stewart Day, The Billy Cart Derby received huge support from Murweh Shire Council, Fishing Club, Work Camp, Augathella Men’s Shed, RESQ, QPS as well as the local schools from Augathella, Morven, Charleville SS, St Marys and Charleville High School Tradies Club. Many local businesses also provided sponsorship that ensured this event was well run and a great success.

KNOW HOW: Sophie Nunn getting some pointers from Inspector Day.

Royce racing the Charleville Fishing and restocking kart.

Clay Egan and Sam Frousheger.

Peart brothers Tom and Charlie and Inspector Stewart Day.

Paddy Castles and Charlie Turnball.

Rude Jude.

PHOTOS: CARLY EVERITT

GRAZIER & FARMER 21

Tuesday, September 24, 2019 westernstarnews.com.au

Crackdown on those who trespass against producers Government passes new laws to protect farmers against invasions and trespassers NEW trespass laws have moved unanimously through the Lower House of Parliament, giving stronger protections to farmers who have been or could have been subject to farm invasions.

Maranoa MP David Littleproud said farmers got the win they deserved with the new laws.

"Farming families who grow our food deserve to be able to do so without fear of invasion on their property and harm to their children," Mr Littleproud said.

"These invasions are dangerous and intimidating, like when 20 activists broke into the Carey Bros abattoir in Warwick or when 100 activists invaded Lemon Tree feedlot in Millmerran.

"This bill will better protect those families by deterring farm invasions.

"Anyone who incites trespass over the internet could face 12 months in prison."

Mr Littleproud went on to say sometimes the people encouraging farm invasions need to be removed from society for a while to think about their actions.

"It is completely out-of-line endangering employees, farm business procedures and wasting police time.”

The Criminal Code Amendment (Agricultural Protection) Bill 2019 includes criminal penalties to protect farming families. It leaves offenders facing up to five years’ imprisonment for inciting harassment and intimidation.

Mr Littleproud said farmers deserved to be able to grow their business in peace because they have a very important job feeding the nation.

"I continue to call on the States to wake up and do their

bit by beefing up their animal activist laws and fully enforcing them," he said.

Minister for Agriculture Bridget McKenzie shared those sentiments and said the Bill sends a clear message to animal activists that if you use the personal information of our family farmers to incite trespass then you will be risking jail.

"These laws are necessary to protect farmers and their businesses – most of them small family businesses – from potential trespass, property damage, theft and biosecurity breaches, and the substantial loss of income that could follow," Minister McKenzie said.

"The Morrison Government is committed to supporting Australian farmers their families and their businesses and this Bill introduced today delivers on that commitment to this critically important part of our economy, our $60 billion agriculture industry."

The Bill also covers other private agricultural businesses such as fishers and foresters.

These new laws build on other actions taken by the Federal Government to protect farmers and their families, including prescribing Aussie Farms under the Privacy Act, meaning the organisation could face fines of up to $2.1 million for breaches of the Act. Activists have not taken the news of the new laws lightly with head of activist organisation Aussie Farms, Christopher Delforce, speaking to a parliamentary inquiry into the new laws in mid August.

The Weekly Times reported that Mr Delforce said he would not take down his Aussie Farms map, which

ABOVE: Federal Agriculture Minister David Littleproud.

BELOW: Animal rights group, Aussie Farms, created a map pinpointing the locations of farmers' properties.

PHOTO: MICHAEL NOLAN/CONTRIBUTED encourages activists to target farms, even if new laws made its existence an offence.

Mr Delforce instead argued for the criminalisation of animal farming over the next 10 years and accused farmer representatives of giving false evidence to the inquiry.

The inquiry heard significant examples of the impacts of farm trespass and animal activism on farm businesses and families.

❝

This bill will better protect those families by deterring farm invasions.

Anyone who incites trespass over the internet could face 12 months in prison.

— Maranoa MP David Littleproud

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22 GRAZIER & FARMER

westernstarnews.com.au Tuesday, September 24, 2019

Waiting for Rain

Waiting for the rain

How the drought and the heart-breaking wait for the heavens to open drags farmers down Ross Rolley I lead them slowly thru the gate, then further on to drink, I give them time to settle down, scarce fodder here I think.

Tomorrow off the truck I'll drop, bales of sorghum stubble, It will never make them fat, but still it's worth the trouble.

The horses fed I let them out, then walk up to the house, I sit to watch the sun go down, and kiss my darling spouse.

Ox tail soup a second night? I need to find a killer, It is a cost we must afford, T Bone on the griller.

The lady of the house is busy, cooking for a crowd, Her hair a mess as well she knows, tho' of it she is proud.

By the time the lights go out, it will be brushed and

shining, Her curling locks of pure gold, a crown of silken lining.

From early on till sunrise, I lay in bed and reason, I think back when last we saw a wet and normal season, Our black soil plains have not seen rains, for past a thousand days, I fear this drought might stay and make, an unborn weather phase?

I often feel a problem, it's hard to see and battle, It is an issue I can tell, unlike thirsty cattle It sneaks around our home all night, a silent viscous beast, It sees me sweating in our bed, a hapless helpless feast.

It’s not the lack of money, or our kid not in his school, Nor doubt about the future, this country's not that cruel?

It is something much more subtle, I cannot pin it down,

I must focus and control it.

My soul, I know, could drown.

I'll talk about it to the Doc., the next time he flies out, If he has time to hear me whinge, and all my troubles tout, 'I'll be OK,' I'll tell him, when he asks how I feel, As he looks wisely from his chair, and sees this man of steel.

The dawn brings on another day, to test the blood and bone, The clouds of flies swarm on my back, the air as still as stone.

The bull dust billows round my boots, when walking to the shed, I'll drop off hay then drag away, those cattle lying dead.

The heat and dust, the bloody flies, total isolation, It is something we all know, our distant cattle station.

Our parents warned and

taught us, they conditioned well our brain, To keep on doing what we do, while waiting for the rain.

To get my boy a game of cricket, with mates from his old school, Two hours to town and two hours back, and half a tank of fuel.

I want him to work with me, as Dad and faithful Son, It will break his heart I know, but nothing can be done.

My wife is likely in her way, to speak up and confirm, Of how she dreams of coffee hot, a wash and gentle perm.

To chew the fat, sit still and chat, in cool and clean conditions, Her hair and nails, her skin and brows, enhanced by her beauticians.

My bride she lodged a call and made, for me a special

booking, When I walked in, he sat me down, intently keen and looking, He put his hand upon my head, and met me eye to eye, He peered at me and listened hard, then helped a grown man cry.

We talked and then we talked some more, not saying very much, I must have been there half the day, I felt the healing touch.

Thank God my wife she made that call, told him of our trouble, All I needed was his ear, and bid him burst the bubble.

I have seen him many times, he has become a mate, He checks things out, to just make sure, I control that weight.

It all worked well and I must say, those guys they have no

peer, As working on my own all day, I do so without fear.

The rain has been the grass is green, the cattle happy and fat, Our son is back at school in town, with a brand new cricket bat.

Our friends come round and they can see, we made it thru the drought, And know so well we are prepared, to fight again, no doubt.

I see now I came too close, to cashing in my chips, A constant weight, it held me down, tightly in its' grips.

It is still there, and working on, how to cause more strife, But I reached out and found my way, guided by my wife.

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