The Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania (NRE Tas) will again be showcasing how we are working towards delivering a sustainable Tasmania, through an array of engaging team displays and activities for all ages at Rural Youth Tasmania’s Agfest 2023.
NRE Tas will be located at S70 on South Street at Quercus Park, Carrick from Thursday 4 - 6 May.
NRE Tas Acting Secretary Jason Jacobi said the field day was a great way to highlight the work the department does in partnership with industry and the community.
“The Biosecurity Tasmania team will be onsite answering questions and helping to raise Agfest visitors’ awareness of the important role all Tasmanians play in keeping our state free from harmful pests and diseases, as well as discussing biosecurity issues, including livestock biosecurity and welfare, invasive weeds, and bee biosecurity,” Mr Jacobi said.
“With a number of roving rangers on site to answer questions, as well as promoting our Leave No Trace and fire safety messages, our Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service will showcase how our programs support the protection of cultural and natural values in parks and reserves while facilitating great experiences and the Tasmanian way of life.”
Agfest visitors can see firsthand how Heritage and Land Tasmania use technology to support the community, industry, and visitors to the state through an array of fascinating LIST products and services, including the Tasmanian Heritage Register data, enterprise suitability and climate data, as well as elevation and imagery products.
Mr Jacobi said there would be a particular emphasis this year on encouraging women into operational and field-based careers within NRE Tas where women are under-represented.
“Our See It. Dream It. Do It. Project (SIDIDI) is a must-see for the younger generation thinking about their future careers. Visitors to the display will have a chance to talk with NRE Tas staff about the wide range of careers on offer, different pathways available, and they can have their photo taken as a park ranger, surveyor, wildlife officer, or biosecurity officer.”
“It also wouldn’t be Agfest without an exhibit from our Agriculture, Game Services and Water teams”, Mr Jacobi said.
AgriGrowth Tasmania will promote FarmPoint as the centralised point of contact for farming enquiries and provide information on the AgriFood Scorecard. Safe Farming Tasmania will also be onsite encouraging discussions about health and safety on farms, and Game Services Tasmania will be available to discuss how they support landholders to manage browsing wildlife and farm deer”.
Be sure to also check out the Environment team’s Container Refund Scheme. Due to kick-off this year, known as Recycle Rewards, the initiative aims to reduce litter and increase recycling.
Mr Jacobi said the three-day event was the biggest annual event for the agency.
“NRE Tas really values Agfest. It allows us to have direct engagement and interaction with a range of community members,” he said.
“As always, the department has put in a lot of hard work to organise our displays and make them as interactive and informative as possible. I’m really looking forward to seeing the final product and representing NRE Tas with my team.”
NRE Tas recently launched its own Facebook page and visitors are encouraged to check it out for the latest details on the department’s plans at Agfest. Visit the NRE Tas Facebook page or go to https://nre.tas.gov.au/about-the-department/nre-tas-at-agfest-2023