Geocache Description
Congratulations you've made it to the 4th and last cache in a series looking at Biosecurity on the University of Newcastle, Ourimbah campus. If you have found the other PestWatch geocaches around the university hopefully by now you have a better understanding of what biosecurity is and how it is applied in the real world. If you haven't found the others yet the "Loop" can easily be done on foot or jump in your geomobile as the caches are not far from the road.
Protecting the environment is the responsibility of all who use it and all who rely on it - including the general public, tourists, farmers, industry and government agencies.
The ultimate goal of biosecurity is to prevent new pests from entering NSW. Where this cannot be done the aim is to quickly find and eradicate new species before they become established and to minimise the impact of pests, weeds and diseases that can't be eradicated.
Pests are sneaky. They can hide in the most unlikely of places and are often so small they cannot easily be seen by the naked eye. Being mindful of where we go and how we get there can reduce the chance of accidentally transporting pests and disease.
Come Clean to site ⇒ Go Clean from site ⇒ Prevent new infestations
This geocache is one of a series of PestWatch geocaches designed to provide valuable educational information to the geocaching community and increase public awareness of what biosecurity is.
Would you like to participate in real world science? This is a voluntary survey that allows geocachers to engage in the scientific process. It is not a test and your feedback can help tailor future education programs. Simply add the answers to your log when you log on to claim you smiley!
1. Who is responsible for biosecurity?
a) The general public and tourists
b) Farmers
c) Government agencies such as DPI
d) All of the above
2. If a new biosecurity threat was identified what is the ultimate goal?
a) To eradicate that species from NSW
b) Monitor it and see what happens
c) Nothing, there are already too many pests to deal with
3. Is there an area of Biosecurity that you would like more information on?
Write your comments when you log your find.
Site Info
There is parking nearby. This area is flat and easily accessible but may require stealth around lunch and sports times. There is a small lake nearby providing ample opportunity to admire the waterlillies and the ducks, but mind the geokiddies! The cache has room for swaps and should have a pen. Watch out for spiders when retrieving.