Towarra is a multi-generational grazing property owned and operated by Gordon and Wayne Hanrahan. Located in the Fitzroy River catchment it sits within an area with moderate to high sediment delivery to the Great Barrier Reef. In 2022, the Hanrahans partnered with Verterra under the Fitzroy Water Quality Project to enhance the productivity, sustainability, and ecological health of their land.
Towarra had historically experienced compacted soils, low ground cover in some areas, and under-utilised paddocks. This project provided an opportunity to adopt rotational grazing, improve pasture quality, and implement erosion control strategies – all while contributing to increased productivity for the grazing operation and improved water quality flowing to the Reef.
By working with Verterra to apply a whole-of-property approach, Toworra became a foundational project for the development of DROVER. As a result, the Hanrahans have not only improved grazing outcomes, but also set their operation up for future resilience and long-term productivity gains.
“Working with Verterra has been such a good education — an eye-opener. We’ve seen how much you can do with simple measures, and the value of investing in land improvement. The whole-of-property approach is the way to do it. This project is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
Wayne Hanrahan
