Traprock Integrated Management System
In August 2001 a sub-committee was formed to investigate how the Traprock Group (then Traprock Wool Association) could improve environmental management for the group.
Using the data from an initial questionnaire sent to all TWA members in January 2002, analysis was undertaken of all enterprises in the Traprock catchment and their impacts on the environment. This research formed the basis of the Traprock Integrated Management System.
With the assistance of Inglewood and Stanthorpe Landcare Groups, the Traprock region was broken into 9 sub-catchments and property mapping for all landowners, whether or not they are members of TWA, was undertaken within these groupings to form:
- Property maps
- Sub-catchment maps
- A Traprock catchment map.
Through funding provided by Australian Wool Innovation and with the assistance of Queensland Murray-Darling Committee and the University of Southern Queensland, Greg Ford, a biodiversity expert based with the QMDC, was engaged to place a biodiversity value on our natural resources and our land practices over a two year period.
The initial results from these studies have shown reasonably high levels of biodiversity due to its native pastures and vegetation cover. The Traprock is an important area for bird life as it is at the intersection of three climatic zones and thus important in the migratory bird paths. High numbers of indicator species of birds, ants and frogs were found to be prevalent. Traprock landholders are keen to find Natural Resource Management (NRM) solutions that provide good biodiversity values and improve production levels. An example if this is the Group’s desire to investigate and improve current grazing management practices.
The development and adoption of the Traprock Integrated Management System helped members to implement NRM changes effectively to ensure management and future requirements are addressed.
For any questions or enquiries, please do not hesitate to contact us by email at traprockgroup@gmail.com.