This year marks 50 years since the inception of Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service, and over the years thousands of volunteers and employees have given their time towards delivering a world-class parks experience.
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From humble beginnings in 1971, Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service Tasmania has grown from 59 to over 450 employees who are dedicated to preserving and protecting the states unique natural and cultural values.
For Deputy Secretary Jason Jacobi there have been may stand out milestones over the years.
"Fifty years is a significant event for Parks and Wildlife Services, for our staff and volunteers, who have contributed to the protection and management of the reserves system in Tasmania," he said.
"It's really important though to recognise that we are are not the landowners, we have been working on this estate for the last 50 years, whereas the Tasmanian Aboriginal people have been here managing the landscape for 40,000 years.
"Its important to acknowledge that our time here has been very short in comparison to the traditional owners of the land."
During the 50 years that the Parks and Wildfire Mr Jacobi said there has been running there have been some tremendously important achievements.
"The declaration of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area in 1982 and then the expansion of the area again in 1989 and the subsequent increase of that reserve to recognise the universal values of area, is the most outstanding achievement, I think, as there are only two places in the world that fulfil seven of the world heritage criteria," he said.
"That is incredibly significant and the size and diversity of cultural and natural values are outstanding in a global context."
One of the other huge achievements was the Macquarie Island pest eradication program, in which $24 million was invested, with work commencing in 2010 and the island declared pest-free in 2014.
"Macquarie Island, which is a sub-Antarctic island, was declared free of rabbits and rodents and saw the return of species that people didn't even know existed."
Mr Jacobi said that the service would be nothing without it's people, who are dedicated to Tasmania's wilderness protection.
"Our staff consider themselves incredibly lucky that they work in the same places that they play. Their commitment and passion to protecting and enhancing our parks and reserves is as strong as its ever been."
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Nikita McGuire
Born and raised in Launceston, Nikita is passionate about the stories that matter to locals. When she is not at work you can find Nikita adventuring around Tasmania or spending time with family and friends. If you have story tips or events in the Arts and Events sector, please contact Nikita at nikita.mcguire@austcommunitymedia.com.au or on 0437 031 581
Born and raised in Launceston, Nikita is passionate about the stories that matter to locals. When she is not at work you can find Nikita adventuring around Tasmania or spending time with family and friends. If you have story tips or events in the Arts and Events sector, please contact Nikita at nikita.mcguire@austcommunitymedia.com.au or on 0437 031 581
