Property map showing fencing infrastructure with panel lengths and paddock areas.
Download map here

Property map showing land types and remnant vegetation
Download map here

Background:

David and Cecily purchased ‘Windrush Hill’, a 40 acre property near Kilcoy, in 1999. Their vision was to establish a sustainable enterprise which would also allow them to enjoy being retired.

Involvement in and perceptions of structured planning activities:

David and Cecily are interested in organic/biodynamic production methods. Through Landcare, David and Cecily completed a Property Management Planning course, which they then used in designing their enterprise at ‘Windrush hill’. This affirmed their decision to run Dexter cattle and establish farm forestry. Through the course, David and Cecily also designed fencing for rotational grazing and developed a fire strategy. While implementing their plans for ‘Windrush Hill’, David and Cecily:

• became involved with their Rural Fire Brigade
• attended various field days and workshops on weeds, timber, soils,cattle and sustainable grazing management—a number provided by SEQ Catchments
• consulted Private Forestry Southern QLD and SEQ Catchments regarding farm forestry
• received mapping support from SEQ Catchments

David and Cecily felt that the advantages of formal planning activities (e.g. Futureprofit with Queensland Department of Primary Industries (QDPI) and Property Management Planning with SEQ Catchments) include:

• good business planning
• risk management and reducing likely mistakes
• testing, clarifying and finetuning goals and activities
• having a visual representation of your plan using maps
• meeting and learning from others
• acknowledging what you’re already doing
• establishing realistic expectations
• designing an enterprise to match your desired lifestyle