Symposium and Field Visit, North Queensland June 2026

Enhanced Rock Weathering Research in Australia and New Zealand

These are separate events, and participants are invited to attend either or both.

Symposium, Cairns, Queensland – Thursday 25 June 2026

The symposium will bring together leading researchers, early career scholars, practitioners, and key collaborators to explore emerging science and practical applications of enhanced rock weathering (ERW).

Field Visit: Avocado farm using Enhanced Rock Weathering, Mareeba, Queensland – Friday 26 June 2026

Visit a trial on an avocado farm in Mareeba to explore how the effects of basalt addition on crop productivity, soil health and carbon dioxide removal are being assessed. This Field Visit and tour will be open to the farming community, industry bodies and key stakeholders.  

Note: the Field Trial visit is free, and attendees are welcome to make their own travel arrangements or book a seat on the bus departing from JCU Nguma-bada, McGregor Road, Smithfield.

Learn more about the Program and Presenters below.

Registrations

Please register via the links below.

Symposium Registration Information

Symposium fees include morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea. All fees are in $AUD. Please note: accommodation and other meals are at your own expense.

Registration Rates

  • Standard rate – Thursday 25 June  2026 $150 (incl GST)

Students receive 50% discount off the above rate with confirmation of current student ID and institution. Please email your request to before registering to receive the promotion code.

Additional Activity

  • 2-course Dinner – Thursday 25 June 2026 (includes welcome drink): $60 (incl GST)

Venue Information

The Symposium will be held at James Cook University, Nguma-bada Campus in Smithfield, Cairns Queensland. Just an hour from the field trial site and beautifully situated between the rainforest and northern beaches. For maps, destination travel tips and accommodation suggestions visit our venue information page.

 

Venue and Visitor Information

The Symposium will be held at JCU’s Nguma‑bada campus, Smithfield QLD.

The Field Trial Visit will take place at an avocado farm in Mareeba. Directions will be provided at registration.

Find out more >>

Symposium: Enhanced Rock Weathering research in Australia and New Zealand

On Thursday 25 June, 2026, join experts to explore the latest in enhanced rock weathering. Details of the proceedings are coming soon.

Find out more >>

Field Visit: Enhanced Rock Weathering Avocado Trial Site

On Friday 26 June 2026, the day after the symposium, community members are warmly invited to join the project team at Howe Farming near Mareeba for a guided tour of the Enhanced Rock Weathering monitoring site.

Find out more >>

Contact Us

For general enquiries please contact Angela Strain at .

For scientific enquiries please contact Paul Nelson at .

Or submit an online enquiry >>

Aerial view of tractor spreading basalt

This Enhanced Rock Weathering Symposium and Field Trial Visit are supported by the Australian Government through funding from the Climate-Smart Agriculture Program under the Natural Heritage Trust.

Project Partners