On The Land
27 June, 2026
Drones over troubled waters
OVER 30 people including farmers, graziers, residents, educators, researchers and government agencies took part in a drone workshop and farm visit focusing on the troubled waters of Peterson Creek near Yungaburra.
Hailed a success by organisers, Barron Catchment Care, presenters included drone expert Marcus Bulstrode, hydrology engineer Joe Rhodes, local grazier Michael Hoare, Yungaburra Landcare members and TREAT tree planters.
Barron Catchment Care president Bryony Barnett said the roll-up exceeded expectations, and the feedback had been very positive.
“The workshop drilled down into the much-publicised water quality issues of Peterson Creek,” she said.
“We now have a better understanding of how the latest drone and satellite mapping can be used by landholders to better understand the lie of the land and likely patterns of runoff from their properties.
“Everyone especially enjoyed seeing firsthand the pasture management techniques used by grazier Michael Hoare to improve productivity as well as reducing runoff and nutrient loss into Peterson Creek.”
Barron Catchment Care would continue to work with the Peterson Creek catchment community to seek solutions to the creek’s water quality issues and plans to hold a working group meeting in July on a Peterson Creek property.
“In the meantime, there are actions that everyone can take – such as avoiding bare earth by ensuring there is plenty of ground cover or mulch around new house blocks, slowing down and capturing runoff in dams and sediment detention basins, keeping stock out of waterways and revegetating bare creek banks,” Mrs Barnett said.
