Meet Kate: Supporting resilient landscapes in the Rangelands
What began as an unexpected career path for Northern and Yorke Landscape Board’s Kate Pearce has become a 12-year (and counting) commitment to caring for South Australia’s landscapes.
Today, Kate leads the team in the Rangelands district, working out of the Board’s Orroroo office in the Southern Flinders Ranges.
She has seen the sector change significantly over that time, with landscape management expanding beyond traditional approaches to embrace broader environmental, community and sustainability outcomes.
“Landscape management has evolved into so much more than what was traditionally a huge emphasis on pest plants and animals,” she said. “There are so many aspects and new priorities to consider within landscapes now and the progress in technology, education and on-ground works is so much broader.”
Working in a region that is no stranger to harsh conditions, Kate has also witnessed first-hand the resilience of local communities in the face of ongoing drought.
“The district has been in drought-like conditions for more years than it hasn't since I started in this role,” she said.
“Working with other agencies, landholders and community groups to assist with drought mitigation and preparedness, whilst also working toward improving and preserving the landscape is something that I think makes rural communities so resilient and inspirational.”
For Kate, one of the most encouraging changes has been the growing awareness and commitment from communities to care for their local environment.
“Our communities are now so empowered and knowledgeable on what is required to preserve our landscapes for generations to come.
“Information, educational resources and staff specifically skilled in assisting communities are now so readily accessible - there's really no excuse not to look after our region.”
Living with her family on a farm north of Orroroo, Kate says it's the landscape itself that continues to inspire her.
“I am guilty of sometimes taking our landscape for granted,” she said. “Our farm has a peak with 360-degree views of the Southern Flinders Ranges.
“It's a bit of an adventure to get up there, but it’s worth the effort with the view from the top and I'm quickly reminded how amazing this part of the country is!”
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