Podcasts

Welcome to On the Ground – a podcast brought to you by the Department of Resources that unearths the rich stories of our people and showcases how the work we do drives sustainable prosperity for Queensland.

You can stream episodes below or access the podcast remotely through your favourite podcast platform. Simply search for 'On the Ground – Resources' on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Deezer, or Whooshkaa and subscribe today.

Each episode is also available to download and runs for about 15-20 minutes.

Episodes

Abandoned mines: ghost towns or opportunities?

A dark tunnel on the side of a hill, with bats hanging from every surface. This is the image of an abandoned mine that we've come to expect from the movies. But the truth about abandoned mines is much more complex.

From gold rushes to ghost towns, the legacy of an abandoned mine can have lasting impacts on the environment, communities and the social license of the resources industry at large.

The department’s role is to undertake works to make abandoned mines safe, secure, durable, and productive. This work is prioritised based on the risk to community health and safety, the environment and property. And at the same time, repurpose, and where we can, recommercialise abandoned mines to unearth previously undiscovered treasures.

So how does this all happen? In the latest On the Ground podcast episode, we’re talking to the experts Tania Hall, Amanda Stones, Annaliese Mitchell, Kobie Johnson and Mitchell Thompson.

Understanding land rights and how this can play an important role towards reconciliation

Six states and 2 territories—this is Australia as we know it today, but before Colonisation, there were over 500 different clan groups or 'nations' around the continent, many with distinctive cultures, beliefs and languages.

The colonisation of Australia had a devastating impact on indigenous people who have lived on this land for over 60,000 years.

It was the momentous Mabo case that finally legally acknowledged the history of Indigenous dispossession in Australia. It abolished the legal fiction of terra nullius (a Latin term meaning 'land belonging to no one') and altered the foundation of Australian land law.

Australia’s Federal Parliament passed the Native Title Act 1993, which established a legal framework for native title claims throughout Australia by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

In this episode, we’re going to learn from Kylie Eddie, Robin Tilley, Deanna Holder and Gerry Mcdonald about some aspects of work conducted by the department, including land rights, and how this can play an important role towards reconciliation.

New economy minerals

In this episode, we showcase several leaders in the field from our Georesources team.
We chat to our Chief Government Geologist, Tony Knight who leads us in with the new economy minerals story, which started with the coalescence of the fourth industrial revolution and the drive towards renewable energy!

We also talk with geophysicists Janelle Simpson and Matthew Greenwood about the work that is being done in the field to assist the search for new economy minerals, and Director of Minerals Geoscience, Helen Degeling also gives us a glimpse as to where the future is heading, from data to new exploration methods that embrace a more circular economy.

Where's the beef? A grazier's guide to moving herds to greener pastures

Dating back 150 years and spanning 72,000kms of our state, our stock route network is a series of roadways and reserves used to move domestic livestock. It may look as simple as moving herds to greener pastures or transporting sheep or cattle, however, the efficient management of this network is equal parts important and complex.

Jim Mollison, Mirranie (Mim) Barker, and Jason Reberger share what it's like to manage stock routes and the role we play at Resources to manage livestock in regional communities.

Privacy and disclosure statement

The department uses a third-party hosting platform called Whooshkaa for our podcasts. Please note that the department does not control how any third-party app or website will use the information that passes through their sites including in relation to any transfers of information outside Australia. You are advised to read the privacy statements of any third-party platform, app or website you choose prior to access. To understand how Whooshkaa deals with your personal information you should read their privacy policy. To read how the department deals with your information online, read our privacy statement.

Each podcast episode is produced for educational purposes only. The views, information or opinions expressed during the podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of the things in government.

Last updated: 27 October 2023
Last reviewed: 21 February 2023