Robbie Tole won the Australian Government Innovation in Sustainable Farm Practice  award on Saturday, and has been pioneering high-tech farming systems at his Greenvale property.

Mr Tole has been  testing various irrigation, vehicle control and mapping technologies to efficiently produce a lot of food with use of less water, chemicals and electricity.

He has also reduced stress in his 10,000 lamb stocks by using automatic handling equipment and special laneways to allow sheep to move themselves out to pasture, and used native plants to re-vegetate.

Landcare Tasmania acting executive officer Matthew Pitt said the awards were an important way to acknowledge the high calibre of excellence in conservation and agricultural sustainability.

‘‘Landcare is people power at its best. Landcare is all about people with sleeves rolled up, making it happen. The scale of work by individuals, groups, and communities making a difference is remarkable, and to be a part of the Tasmanian Landcare Awards to celebrate their work is an honour,’’ he said.

‘‘The awards continue to promote the significant role the community plays in caring for our environment now and for the future.’’

AWARD WINNERS

● Australian Government Individual Landcarer – Amanda Cole

● Australian Government Landcare Facilitator – Holly Hansen

● Australian Government Innovation in Sustainable Farm Practices – Robbie Tole

● Australian Government Partnerships with Landcare – South East Regional Shorebird Alliance

● Coastcare Award – Port Esperance Coastcare

● Junior Landcare Team – Huon Valley Roamers

● Manpower Young Landcare Leader

● Indigenous Land Corporation Land Management Award – Weetapoona Aboriginal Corporation

● Fairfax Media Landcare Community Group – Tasman Landcare