08-04-2003

A new publication authored by a farmer from the NSW southern tablelands reveals how the crisis of drought sparked a radical environmental and economic transformation of a property over two decades.

A new publication authored by a farmer from the NSW southern tablelands reveals how the crisis of drought sparked a radical environmental and economic transformation of a property over two decades.

'Lyndfield Park: looking back, looking forward' tells how John and Jan Weatherstone have been changing towards more sustainable land management practices on their farm.

In the 1982 drought 'Lyndfield Park'' faced chronic environmental problems such as tree dieback, erosion, salinity and poor shelter for stock.

Two decades later, the Weatherstones have turned around many of the chronic environmental problems threatening the farm, significantly increased its resilience to the stresses of drought, improved its financial turnover, increased its capital value and created habitat for more species of native birds than any other property in the area.

John Weatherstone will highlight some of the triumphs and setbacks he and his family have encountered during a 'Science in the Paddock' briefing in Canberra tomorrow (Wed 9 April 2003).

'In a time of crisis, it's not uncommon for a person to question the way things are' , said John.

'On a bleak, drought-blasted day back in 1982, that's how it was for me. It was possibly the worst and best day of my working life.'

'The key has been to listen to the land, respond to its needs, be prepared to continually change your approach and to constantly try new things,' he explained.

The 'Science in the Paddock' breakfast briefings are a joint venture between Land & Water Australia and Greening Australia who are working together nationally for improved sustainable resource management.

In 2001 John was selected as a Community Fellow by Land & Water Australia [ http://www.lwa.gov.au ] to tell his story. He has since produced 'Lyndfield Park: looking back, moving forward' with support from Land and Water Australia and Greening Australia: [ http://www.greeningaustralia.org.au] .


Land & Water Australia's Community Fellowships help people who are involved in practical natural resource management to tell their stories. The Fellowships are non-academic awards which enable ordinary people who are working in natural resource management to share their extraordinary actions and experiences.

Science in the Paddock will be held at:
Venue: Hotel Kurrajong, National Circuit, Barton
Time: 7.30am - 9am
Date: Wednesday 9 April 2003

For further information or to organise an interview, please contact Greening Australia on 0408 685 225 or Land & Water Australia on 02 6263 6000