Friends of Bruny Is Quarantine Station

Biosecurity – Steps into the Past

Biosecurity Tasmania is the division of DPIPWE responsible for leading the biosecurity effort in Tasmania in partnership with the community and industry.  On Sunday 20th September Sabatino Cesile  Senior Biosecurity Officer took time out to visit the quarantine station on Bruny Island and to assist the ‘Friends of Bruny Island Quarantine Station’ with interpretation of the Plant Quarantine site c1955 – 1986. He and his wife Tania met with president [FOBIQS] Kathy Duncombe and volunteer caretakers for morning tea and pikelets followed by a casual tour around the site.

Sabatino biosecurity

Sabatino stated that “We call these facilities “Post Entry Quarantine” facilities as the imported high risk plants and some seeds must be grown in isolation to check for any diseases, weeds and pests not welcome into Australia.” Different techniques were discussed as to the fumigation of all imported plants with Methyl bromide gas, the sterilisation of soils and making own compost, and the use of various paddocks on site. Apples, pears and grain crops such as barley utilised the paddock space whilst orchids, hop seedlings, and potted plants were looked after in the hot house areas. The role of the steamer and the various bins (which contained different grades and textures of soils) on site were explained and suggestions for further interpretation ideas were mooted. All in all a most successful and informative morning was had by all. Our thanks go to Sabatino for sharing his knowledge and experience with FOBIQS.