NATIVE plant agronomist Dr Geoff Woodall and weed expert John Moore demonstrated and explained their work at the field day and luncheon, which was opened by Great Southern Development Commission (GSDC) Deputy Chairman Kim Barrow.
At the field day, held at the Department of Agriculture and Food in Albany, Mr Moore demonstrated the Herbicopter remote controlled spraying unit which treats weed infestations in inaccessible areas – a project he developed with the assistance of the grant which accompanied his medal win in 2011.
Dr Woodall, the 2010 GSDC Medal winner, showed the CommVeg Series II seeding machine with adaptations for sowing native plant crops, the development of which was aided by the grant awarded with his medal win.
GSDC Board Chairman Peter Rundle said the field day was an opportunity for people interested in natural resource management to keep up with developments.
“Innovative work is taking place in the region and many people are interested in finding out about it,” he said.
“Winners of the GSDC Medal are acknowledged leaders in natural resource management and their presentations are inspiring and educational for the field day audience.’
The field day was the first event of the revamped GSDC Medal schedule, under which the prestigious award will be presented every second year.
In alternate years, the recipients of previous awards will feature at an informal lunch event where their work in natural resource management will be highlighted.
The field day and luncheon was also supported by WA Museum Albany and the Department of Agriculture and Food.