My role
As the SW WA Regional Soil Coordinator, I am part of the SoilsWest team based at Murdoch University. The Regional Soil Coordinator supports farmers and land managers with best practice soil management strategies to enhance soil health, sustainable agriculture and drought resilience. The role provides a link between researchers and farmers to facilitate access to the best resources for soil management.
My background
I grew up on a mixed sheep and cropping farm, near Arthur River in Western Australia, where I developed a keen interest in agriculture and the land care processes associated with farming systems. After completing a degree in environmental biology at Curtin University, I worked throughout the environmental consulting and approvals industry in WA for 15 years. This included work as a botanist, predominantly in the Pilbara region. Following this, I transitioned into the agriculture industry working in fertiliser field research.
I’m inspired by the progressive attitude of WA farmers who are continually looking for an edge to enhance their business, while maintaining the balance of their farming systems to ensure longevity for generations to come. I am particularly passionate about working with people—both locally and nationally — and consider the opportunity to be involved in contributing to the success of farming family businesses a real privilege.
Projects
Some of the key soils-related projects underway in WA are:
- Soils: New Horizons – National Soil Action Plan
- Know Your Southern Soils – National Soil Action Plan
- GRDC Soil and Plant Nutrition Extension Project
- West Midlands Project – Sustainable Solutions for Sandy Soils
Key expertise
Soil management strategies for Western Australian agriculture
Qualifications
BSc (Environmental Biology), Curtin University
The Regional Soil Coordinators are supported by the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry through funding from the Climate-Smart Agriculture Program under the Natural Heritage Trust. The SW WA Regional Soil Coordinator is also supported by the South-West WA Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub, SoilsWest and Murdoch University.