Life often passes by in a rush these days - to work, to school, even to play (especially if there is a geocache with a FTF). We rarely take the time to stop and look what is around us or even what is on us or our vehicles.
Basic everyday things we do can have a drastic impact on our environment. Serious plant pests and diseases can be transported on our clothes, gear, vehicles and even our food without our knowledge. NSW is free of some of the nasty pests, weeds and diseases that occur elsewhere in the country and we need to keep it that way.
Protecting our environment is the responsibility of all who use it and all who rely on it - it is a shared responsibility. The ultimate goal of biosecurity is to prevent new pests form entering NSW. Where this cannot be done the aim is to quickly find and eradicate new pests before they become established and to minimise the impact of pests, weeds and diseases that can't be eradicated.
You can help protect your geocaching playground and our local farmers by being mindful of what might be hitching a ride with you on your next geocaching adventure. So slow down, take the time to look. Check your clothing and gear for weed seeds. Wash down your car if you are going through mud and long grass, especially if you go onto farming properties. Be mindful of what food you are carting with you around the state on your geocaching roadtrip. Signs banning the entry of certain produce into a region are trying to prevent the introduction of pests and diseases that don't yet occur there.
This geocache is one of a series of Pest Watch geocaches focusing on the biosecurity of NSW, developed by the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI). These geocaches are designed to provide information to the public in an effort to protect the environment of NSW. DPI has a lead role in preventing, responding to and overseeing the recovery from invasion or spread of plant pests and diseases.
If you suspect the presence of an exotic plant disease or pest, or if you see unusual symptoms on your plants at home, you can report it to the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881. Further information on this and other biosecurity threats currently faced by NSW can be found on the DPI Biosecurity website: (font color+"blue">www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/biosecurity
Cache Details
Cache is small and may require tweezers to retrieve the log. It is placed here with the full knowledge of the Visitor Center staff so no need to worry there. No room for swaps and you will need to bring your own pen