Geocache Description
Consider as you stand here with this cache - why does this environment look the way it does? Why is it not completely overrun with pest insects from South America, weeds from Europe or plant diseases from Asia? The answer is Biosecurity.
Biosecurity is the protection of the environment, economy and community from the impact of harmful pests and diseases. As an island, Australia has the good fortune of being isolated and free from many of the pests and diseases that cause havoc in other parts of the world.
Pests that are introduced into Australia can have serious implications for the health and productivity of our farms, forests and even our backyard gardens. Everyone has a part to play in protecting our country from these pests.
Government agencies such as the NSW Department of Primary Industries monitors for new pest threats by undertaking regular surveillance across the state and at entry points such as shipping ports and airports. They respond to outbreaks of new pests and diseases and help manage the pests and disease we already have in NSW. This work is vitally important for protecting our local farmers who feed and clothe us and also helps to protect our native bushland and home gardens. NSW is a large place and reporting unusual signs of pests and diseases can help authorities detect and manage new pest outbreaks.
This geocache is one of a series of PestWatch geocaches designed to provide public education information on the issue of Biosecurity. To learn more about Biosecurity issues in your area you can search your state government agency responsible for primary industries - for NSW refer to the NSW Department of Primary Industries website www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/biosecurity
University of Newcastle, Ourimbah Campus
Nestled amidst beautiful bushland at Ourimbah, our Central Coast campus is located off Chittaway Road, Ourimbah. The Ourimbah Campus is a multi-sector campus which offers University, TAFE and Community College programs and courses. It is a bushland campus, offering a quiet environment for students and visitors. Set on just over 80 hectares, its buildings have been designed to blend with the natural environment.
Cache Info
Parking is located at the front of the university site, and can be crowded during semester
It's an easy, pleasant 5 min walk from the lower car park, and the cache is to be found in the riparian zone,(near the water - not in it, you don't have to get wet for this one!).
NOTE: During intense prolonged rainfall events the Cache may become unreachable.
Use care when removing it and watch out for spiders or snakes
Nice view and a pleasant place near cache for a sit down and rest.
Bring your own pen; cache contains only log, no room for swaps.
Be careful of muggles on uni days and place cache back as you found it.
Come for the CACHE stay for the survey!
The PestWatch geocaches are designed to the Geocaching community in the scientific process. The survey is quick and voluntary, all you have to do is jot down your answers when you log in to claim your smiley. This information can help to tailor future education programs by understanding what the public knows about biosecurity.
1. Which of these terms have you heard of before?
a)Phytophthora
b) Myrtle Rust
c) Come Clean Go Clean
d) I'm not familiar with these terms
2. How often do you visit bushland areas?
a) Rarely or never
b) A few times a year
c) About once a month
d) At least once a week
3. What activities do you undertake in these areas?>
a) Adventure (mountain biking, 4WD, dirtbike etc)
b) Exercise (bushwalking, trail running)
c) Recreation (camping, kayaking, fishing, birdwatching, geocaching)
d) Site management (research, fencing, weed control etc)
Thanks for participating!