David Phelps

Professor David G. Phelps: Champion of Resilient Rangelands

Professor David G. Phelps is a leading Australian rangeland scientist whose career exemplifies bridging science, policy, and practice to foster sustainable pastoral systems amid climate variability, market volatility, and land-use pressures. Currently Director of the Tropical North Queensland Drought Hub (TNQ Drought Hub) at James Cook University in Townsville, Queensland, Professor Phelps has dedicated over three decades to advancing rangeland resilience in Australia and globally.

Born and raised on a multi-generational family farm in far western New South Wales rangelands, Phelps developed an early appreciation for the socio-ecological dynamics of arid landscapes. He pursued advanced studies in agricultural systems and rangeland ecology and management, joining the Queensland Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI) in 1990 as a researcher in Longreach. As Senior Principal Scientist, he led applied programs in Mitchell grasslands and Channel Country, focusing on sustainable grazing, total grazing pressure management, fire regimes, climate adaptation, drought resilience, and flood recovery. He translated research into impact by empowering producers to balance profitability with environmental stewardship, notably through contributing to the development of north Australia’s grazing land management frameworks, monitoring and assessment approaches, and training packages.

Phelps' influence expanded through leadership in the Australian Rangeland Society (ARS), where he served as President (2019-2021). Under his tenure, ARS hosted pivotal events like the 2019 Canberra conference, "Rangelands in Times of Change," elevating national dialogue on policy reforms for climate adaptation. He spearheaded Australia's advocacy for the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists (IYRP 2026), mobilising support via UN processes.

Internationally, as President of the International Rangeland Congress Continuing Committee (IRCCC, 2021-2025), Phelps elevated the dialogue globally, linking Australian and international issues into meaningful resolutions to support advocacy and impact. IRC resolutions under his endorsement commit IRCCC to post-2026 IYRP structures, including joint advocacy for UN observances.

His peer-reviewed contributions shape policy: co-authoring "Overcoming drought vulnerability" (2019) informed Future Drought Fund investments; "Challenges, solutions and research priorities for sustainable rangelands" (2020) prioritised governance reforms; and resilience papers advocate stakeholder-led systems integrating Indigenous knowledge.

As founding Director of the TNQ Drought Hub, funded by the Future Drought Fund, Phelps leads initiatives delivering practical outcomes to build resilience underpinned by local and traditional knowledge, cross-sector collaboration and academic rigour.

Recognised by the Queensland Academy of Arts and Sciences, his legacy lies in practical impact: resilient communities, informed policies, and global rangeland coalitions.