The Royal Geographical Society of Queensland Ltd

🌏 Immigration in Australia – Public Forum

How is immigration shaping Australia's future? On Friday 28 August join us for an afternoon of expert insights and discussion as leading researchers explore the trends, challenges, and opportunities associated with immigration in Australia.

The Royal Geographical Society of Queensland and The University of Queensland School of the Environment are pleased to present a public forum featuring a distinguished panel of speakers examining immigration from demographic, economic, social, and geographic perspectives.

Keynote Address
• Associate Professor Elin Charles-Edwards – Australian Immigration Trends: Composition, Sources and Prospects

Featured Speakers
• Associate Professor Aude Bernard – Migration and Population Ageing: Evaluating Policy Trade-offs
• Associate Professor Thomas Sigler – Four Brisbanes, Three Melbournes: Exploring Clustering in International Migration Populations
• Dr Rennie Lee – Longitudinal Pathways of Student Visa Holders

Afternoon tea included, followed by social drinks at St Lucy's Café from 5:00–7:00pm.

Places are limited. Register at https://rgsq.org.au/event-6574798

🌾 Lecture Recording Now Available – Famine to Feast: History of the Australian Fertilizer Industry 🌾

Australia is an ancient continent with some of the most nutrient-poor soils in the world. Yet our agricultural sector feeds not only Australia's 28 million people but also millions more around the globe, with around three-quarters of our agricultural production exported. This remarkable achievement would not be possible without fertilizers.

In this fascinating presentation, Garry Kuhn, traces the history of the fertilizer industry from the use of manure, bones, guano and nitrate deposits through to the development of superphosphate and the revolutionary Haber-Bosch process, often described as the most important technological advancement of the 20th century.

The lecture also explores Australia's pioneering role in fertilizer manufacturing, from the first commercial superphosphate production at Yarraville in 1878 to the development of ammonia production at Brisbane's Gibson Island plant, and examines the challenges facing the industry today.

With an estimated 50% of global crop yields attributable to commercial fertilizers, this is a compelling story of science, industry, food security, and Australia's agricultural development.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D9OXmWorRr0

History of the Australian Fertilizer Industry The Australian landscape is aged in geological terms. It is an anci...

⚡ Why Geography Matters for the Electricity Transition ⚡

As Australia accelerates towards a renewable energy future, one critical question is often overlooked: where should all this infrastructure be built, who benefits, and who bears the costs?

On Tuesday 7 July, join us for an insightful evening with Professor Magnus Söderberg, one of Australia's leading energy economists and Director of Griffith University Centre for Applied Energy Economics and Policy Research.

While the energy transition is often discussed as a technological challenge, it is also fundamentally a geographical one. Renewable energy resources, transmission lines, storage facilities and Renewable Energy Zones all have locations—and those locations matter. From landholder impacts and community consultation to network costs, regional equity and energy reliability, geography plays a central role in shaping Australia's energy future.

This timely presentation will explore:
🔹 Renewable Energy Zones and spatial planning
🔹 The geography of electricity networks
🔹 Regional and urban differences in energy costs
🔹 Land access, compensation and community benefits
🔹 Who wins, who pays, and what a fair transition looks like

Whether you're interested in geography, energy policy, economics, planning, sustainability or Australia's renewable future, this is a presentation not to miss.

Register now and be part of the conversation shaping Australia's electricity transition: https://rgsq.org.au/event-6715402

Missed our presentation on Topographic Anomalies – Impact Craters at Mt Moffatt? You can now watch the recording on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/oSjhktB66J0?si=zt7g0z5IygJFs-w_

Neil Simson, a former Town Planner with more than 50 years of orienteering experience, has spent a lifetime studying maps and navigating complex terrain. His keen eye for topographic anomalies has led him to investigate the remarkable ring structures within the Mt Moffatt section of Carnarvon National Park.

Drawing on geomorphological principles, Neil's research began with a desktop analysis of existing mapping resources before moving into field investigations. His work has identified several anomalous landforms and a high-probability impact site where further specimen collection and analysis are now required.

Join Neil as he explores the fascinating possibility that ancient impact events may have shaped parts of Queensland's landscape, and discover how maps can reveal clues hidden in the terrain itself.

Topographic Anomalies - Impact Craters at Mt Moffatt? Neil Simson is a former Town Planner, now retired and has over 50 y...

🌾 Tonight at RGSQ: Famine to Feast – History of the Australian Fertilizer Industry

How did Australia transform some of the world's oldest and least fertile soils into a productive agricultural powerhouse capable of feeding millions?

Join author and former fertilizer industry professional Garry Kuhn as he explores the history of fertilizers in Australia and around the world: from guano mining and the invention of superphosphate to the revolutionary Haber-Bosch process and the rise of Australia's own fertilizer industry.

This lecture looks at the science, innovation, and people behind one of the most important developments in modern agriculture. Today, it is estimated that commercial fertilizers contribute to around 50% of global crop yields.

There's still time to register at: https://rgsq.org.au/event-6695866

Famine to Feast

Join us for the next RGSQ Lecture Series event with author and former fertilizer industry professional Garry Kuhn.

Drawing on decades of industry experience and his book Famine to Feast, Garry will explore the history of fertilizers in Australia and globally - from guano and superphosphate to the Haber-Bosch process and the changing future of Australian fertilizer manufacturing.

📅 Tuesday 2 June 2026
🕢 7:30pm – 9:00pm
📍 Gregory Place, Spring Hill & via Zoom

Presented by the Royal Geographical Society of Queensland.

Register at: https://rgsq.org.au/event-6695866

The recording of our recent Geography Matters webinar, 🦇FLYING-FOXES – AUSTRALIA’S ENDURANCE CHAMPIONS, is now available on our YouTube channel.

Presented by ecologists Jess Gorring and Carissa Gill, the webinar explores the remarkable long-range movements and roost distribution of flying-fox species across eastern Australia, and the vital ecological role these highly mobile mammals play through pollination and seed dispersal.

Drawing on extensive field and management experience, Jess and Carissa discuss the resilience and vulnerability of flying-fox populations as they navigate changing landscapes and emerging environmental pressures. If you missed the live session, or would like to revisit this fascinating discussion, the recording is now available for viewing.

FLYING-FOXES – AUSTRALIA’S ENDURANCE CHAMPIONS Australia may not have vast herds of land‑based herbivores tracking...

Another month, another round of community events to explore around SEQ. 🌏

One of the best things about being part of the RGSQ community is finding people who are curious about the world and keen to keep learning beyond the classroom or workplace. Whether it’s nature walks, workshops, talks, films, or festivals; there is always something interesting happening nearby.

We’ll keep sharing a few events each month, and we’d love for you to share your own finds in the comments too!

🦈 Science Night – Sharks with Dr Emily Lester: https://www.museum.qld.gov.au/kurilpa/whats-on/science-night/

🌊 OCEAN with David Attenborough screening: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/balmoral-free-community-screening-ocean-with-david-attenborough-plus-qa-tickets-1987661529140?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

💚 Sustainable BNE Festival: https://www.sustainablebrisbane.com.au/sustainablebnefestival/ -2026-sustainable-bne-festival-timetable

Famine to Feast

Join us for the next RGSQ Lecture Series event with author and former fertilizer industry professional Garry Kuhn.

Drawing on decades of industry experience and his book Famine to Feast, Garry will explore the history of fertilizers in Australia and globally - from guano and superphosphate to the Haber-Bosch process and the changing future of Australian fertilizer manufacturing.

📅 Tuesday 2 June 2026
🕢 7:30pm – 9:00pm
📍 Gregory Place, Spring Hill & via Zoom

Presented by the Royal Geographical Society of Queensland.

Register at: https://rgsq.org.au/event-6695866

Good news for students and researchers - there’s still time to apply! 🎓 🧭⏳

The RGSQ Scientific Studies Research Grant deadline has been extended to 15 May 2026, giving you extra time to put forward your proposal. If you’re undertaking geographical fieldwork or data collection linked to Queensland, this is a great opportunity to secure up to $1,000 in support.

Whether you’re in Honours, a Masters by Research, or a PhD program, don’t miss your chance to take your research further.

Find out more and apply: www.rgsq.org.au/studentgrants

🎄 RGSQ Christmas Party 2025 🎄

Join us for a warm and festive evening as we celebrate the close of another successful year at the Society.

Tuesday, 2 December 2025
7:15–9:30 PM
Gregory House, 1/28 Fortescue St, Spring Hill
Attend in person or via Zoom

The RGSQ Traveller Committee invites all members, friends, and guests to a relaxed Christmas gathering with complimentary supper and drinks.

At 7:45 PM, we’ll share brief presentations and slides highlighting our 2025 activities.

A free event—simply register and join us for an enjoyable evening of good company and seasonal cheer.

Register at: https://rgsq.org.au/event-6422614