Introducing Cameron Leckie, the new Regional Soil Coordinator for Southern Queensland and Northern NSW (SQNNSW) Innovation Hub SQNNSW Innovation Hub. He will be working out of the University of Southern Queensland.

He aims to increase the skills and knowledge of the wide range of people working with soils, from farmers to agronomists and soil field and laboratory technicians will be a key part of improving the condition of our soil.

Australia’s soils are, on the whole, in poor condition and deteriorating. That was the conclusion of the 2021 State of the Environment report. To address this very concerning issue, the first ever National Soil Strategy is being implemented. Part of this Strategy included the creation of a Regional Soil Coordinator position, funded by the National Landcare Program.

To identify the gaps in soil capacity and capability across the region, Cameron is developing a Regional Soil Improvement Plan that will identify priorities and barriers to the adoption of soil best management practices.

Another program that will help improve the quality of soil advice being provided to land managers is the brand new Registered Soil Practitioner (RSP) training and accreditation program, run by Soil Science Australia. The RSP program ensures that soil practitioners can implement fit for purpose soil sampling and interpretation to improve the quality of soil data, reduce soil input and management costs and improve soil productivity. The program is aimed at specialists who provide advice to landholders including agronomists, farm advisors, agricultural consultants and extension officers.

We wish Cameron every success in his new role. For more detailed information on either of these programs contact Cameron directly by emailing him at cameron.leckie@usq.edu.au or check out the SQNNSW Innovation Hub. Or follow Cameron on Twitter: @GrowSoilAU