Abstract 1: Delivering strategic environmental offsets as part of the energy transition in Queensland.
Australia, and particularly Queensland, are experiencing a renewable energy transformation over the next decade to meet renewable energy targets and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. The Queensland NRM sector has joined forces with Powerlink Queensland, the State’s high voltage transmission network service provider, to create and leverage relationships to ensure our natural assets are protected and nature positive outcomes are achieved through this infrastructure development.
This presentation will describe the development of a strategic relationship agreement between NRM Regions Queensland & Powerlink Queensland highlighting its progress, including:
• Building trust, confidence and enhanced coordination between both parties;
• Establishing governance and data sharing arrangements;
• Developing innovative products and services (with an initial focus on strategic environmental offsets) that support the energy and NRM sector to be nature positive; and
• A holistic approach across government and industry to maximise impact and value.
Speaker: Chris Norman & Caitlin Monti
Abstract 2: From Waste to Worth: Navigating Wicked Problems in Oyster Industry Sustainability and driving change within environmental restoration.
OceanWatch Australia is confronting the pervasive use of plastic in marine and coastal management by critically examining and challenging current practices across several sectors. In the oyster industry, it is investigating the lack of viable end-of-life solutions for plastic waste and shell by-products, aiming to shift the industry away from unsustainable, linear waste models. In longline fishing, OceanWatch studied light stick use and trialled non single use alternatives with the same lens applied to recreational bait bags. Its Living Shorelines projects question the continued reliance on synthetic materials in habitat restoration, promoting nature-based, plastic-free solutions instead. Estuary cleanups, while necessary, expose the scale and persistence of plastic pollution—often symptomatic of systemic issues in waste management and policy enforcement. Through targeted research and interventions, industry engagement, and policy advocacy, OceanWatch is pushing for meaningful change, not just short-term fixes, to reduce the environmental harm caused by plastics across Australia’s coastal and marine industries.
Speaker: Simon Rowe
Abstract 3: Friends of the Forgotten Woodlands: Victorian Volcanic Plains Woodland Recovery
Friends of the Forgotten Woodlands Inc. (FoFW) is a non-government organisation that formed in 2014 amid concerns for the trajectory of keystone species on the Victorian Volcanic Plains (VVP). Silver Banksia, Drooping Sheoak and Sweet Bursaria are integral to the health and structure of woodland ecosystems and cultural heritage values in the region.
Strong partnerships with over 14 organisations has given FoFW the kudos to lead multiple research projects, successfully integrating public and industry knowledge with modern science to inform restoration of these species.
Genetic research has helped to characterise patterns of gene flow and population genetic structure, patterns and drivers of adaptation, and risks of inbreeding and maladaptation. This has informed the successful establishment of seed production areas (SPAs) at more than 30 locations, including mixed provenance and ‘climate-matched’ seed sources that will increase the resilience of restoration plantings to future climates.
Speaker: Aggie Stevenson
Abstract 4: Nature, Recovery and Resilience – Healing with Nature in a Changing Climate
The increasing frequency and severity of climate-related disasters are having profound impacts on human health, with mental health emerging as one of the greatest challenges. It has been suggested that the climate emergency may prove to be this century’s greatest public health threat, with mental health requiring specific attention. Research shows that one in four people exposed to a climate change-related disaster meets criteria for PTSD, while young people, in particular, are experiencing rising levels of eco-anxiety.
However, the research confirms that, even amidst deep loss and grief, a strong attachment to the natural environment is a powerful predictor of long-term recovery and resilience. This reinforces the role of nature not only in healing, but also in supporting communities to rebuild their sense of hope and belonging.
This presentation will share firsthand experiences of those who have endured immense loss, alongside the perspectives of frontline responders in bushfire and flood recovery. It will explore how the Snowy Valleys Nature Wellness Drive, a community-led initiative co-designed with the Murrumbidgee Local Health District and NatureFix, has provided opportunities for stress relief, reconnection, and resilience building. Its success has since evolved into a structured therapeutic program, now being trialled in clinical settings for people experiencing acute mental health challenges, such as PTSD.
Importantly, as climate impacts intensify, embedding nature-based health strategies into disaster recovery and resilience planning offers a scalable, evidence-based, and cost-effective model. So, in tough times, remembering the “good things” in nature helps us heal, adapt, and find strength.
Speaker: Waminda Parker
Abstract 5: About Young People for Country
In 2024, NAILSMA hosted the Reimagining Conservation forum on Djabugay Country near Cairns, QLD. During the four day event, we heard from young people involved in looking after for Country emphasise how their involvement is critical to finding solutions for important issues around managing Country such as intergenerational knowledge transfer, innovative and adaptive approaches to conservation, bridging cultural divides, advocacy and policy change, long-term vision and commitment, and the support and resources needed for young people.
In a commitment to the future of Indigenous leadership, NAILSMA is hosting and supporting the Young People for Country Working Group (YPCWG) to build a pipeline and platform to create space for young people, to strategise for impact in domestic and international forums, and foster connection to build community. The working group will achieve this through a focus on maintaining and restoring Country, climate change and Country-based economies. With NAILSMA’s support, YPCWG members will work collaboratively on the development and implementation of governance and strategy to ensure strong foundations and long-term direction.
Speaker: Tyá Dynevor
