Land degradation is a major issue across Australia. Correcting this problem will take time, money, sweat and thought. Acting quickly to avoid a worsening problem is a key to rectification; both at the property and landscape level, but make sure the advice comes from the right place.

Local knowledge is a vital ingredient determining a successful outcome. In one case study examined, the restoration works failure can be attributed to a number of causes; a lack of consultation with stakeholders, a large dose of arrogance and how a correct technique was inappropriately applied.

The failure has led to a waste of time, a waste of money, the need for urgent remedial works and a suspicion of consultants.

Not all revegetation works are failures, the vast majority of works are very successful. This is a direct result of correct methods being applied at the correct time and with the knowledge base to support it. The paper also briefly examines a successful restoration program, and why it was successful.

This paper looks at two case studies examining restoration works in central southern Queensland and western Queensland, why one failed and the other succeeded and the practical lessons to be learnt from them.