News

Northern Rivers grower Paul Chapman has been appointed to chair of the Macadamia Conservation Trust (MCT), replacing Paul O’Hare who has stepped down from the position after six successful years.

Supported by macadamia growers and processors, MCT has been working to protect wild macadamias since 2006 with some committee members involved even earlier than this, including Ian McConachie, Brice Kaddatz, Liz Gould, Andy Burnside, Paul O’Hare and many others.

MCT executive officer Denise Bond sincerely thanked Paul O’Hare for his tireless commitment and dedication to the Trust over many years.

“Under Paul’s tenure the MCT successfully applied for grants, set up insurance populations for the critically endangered Macadamia jansenii, established the Walk with Wild Macadamias, and embarked on the mammoth task of creating the Wild Macadamia Arboretum,” said Denise.

“The Trust also managed the commercialisation of a new industry cultivar, which provided a valuable resource for the industry and set MCT on the pathway to financial independence.”

Denise said Paul and the committee navigated a number of challenges along the way, including the painfully slow response from Government to the MCT’s Recovery Plan and conservation initiatives, COVID border closures, floods and fires, all of which impacted MCT’s ability to work in macadamia habitat. 

“Paul has been hands-on throughout – whether climbing trees to collect samples, planting cuttings or facilitating meetings. His legacy is a strong MCT, well equipped to embark on the next phase of macadamia conservation.”

Paul Chapman brings to the MCT a plethora of experience including 21 years as a macadamia grower. He has formal qualifications in agricultural research and has spent many years working in agribusiness roles. The former chair of the Macadamia Research and Development Committee, he has served on the Industry Reference Group and is currently working on habitat restoration projects through Landcare. 

Denise said Paul’s wide skill set will stand the Trust in good stead for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. 

“MCT is currently involved in five conservation research projects and has launched the Ian and Janet McConachie Conservation Research Grant, so Paul’s experience in tracking and assessing research projects will be very helpful. 

“There is an unprecedented interest in macadamia conservation from state and local government and the public, and the Trust are excited to embark on the next chapter with Paul at the helm.”

Image above: Paul O’Hare with Piper Williams and Tahlia Walker working to conserve and display wild macadamias at the Noosa Botanic gardens, July 2022