Digging into soil conservation

Issued: 2 Apr 2025

Meet the women leading the next generation of soil stewardship from the ground up as they embark on a new graduate program led by the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation.

Jessica Cook, Mali Eagle and Bec Reeves will be digging into the world of agricultural and environmental science, with a focus on preserving Queensland’s soil health, through the new Queensland Soil Science Graduate and First Nations Engagement Program.

Queensland Chief Scientist Professor Kerrie Wilson said the program would help build Queensland’s capability in this important science sector as the trio would work with leading soil scientists and First Nations groups to develop innovative ways to enhance farming practices and protect our natural environment.

“This is such an exciting collaboration, with these graduates’ understanding of soil helping to inform agricultural management strategies, which will positively contribute to the sustainability of our environment,” Prof Wilson said.

“Soil is important to everyone – without soil we don’t have plants, and without plants we don’t have food or oxygen.

“The program will accelerate the training and development of graduate scientists and rangers in both western and traditional soil science practices to address critical knowledge and capability gaps.

“First Nations peoples were Queensland’s first scientists, and their knowledge is key to protecting our biodiversity for generations to come.

“I look forward to seeing these women lead the way in soil science and become the next generation of soil science practitioners.”

As part of their training, the graduates will be hosted by a regional Natural Resource Management (NRM) organisation and a Queensland Government agency over 12 months.

The Queensland Soil Science Graduate and First Nations Engagement Program is a $1.1M initiative jointly funded by the State and Federal governments as part of the $20M National Soil Action Plan.

Soil science ranger Bec Reeves said the opportunity to contribute to cultural conservation practices and learn more about soil processes such as soil survey techniques and digital soils mapping analyses was exciting.

“I’m a very hands-on and practical learner and enjoy being On Country, so getting to go out and get your hands dirty certainly piqued my interest,” she said.

“I am passionate about the environment and want to learn as much as possible while I’m in this program.

“There are so many niches within soil science and culturally for me as a First Nations person, the connection around environmental practices and conservation practices like traditional burning is something I’m really interested in exploring.”

An additional three graduates will be employed as part of the Queensland Soil Science Graduate and First Nations Engagement Program in 2026.

View more information about the National Soil Action Plan program