Wool environmental credentials recognised

A long-term vision for natural resource management, commitment to improving the environmental credentials of the wool industry and significant leadership skills have earned Tasmanian woolgrowers Tom and Cynthia Dunbabin the 15th McKell Medal for excellence in natural resource management.

The award, announced in Darwin today by the joint Chairs of Australia’s Natural Resource Management Ministerial Council — Ministers Warren Truss and Ian Campbell — recognises an outstanding contribution to people who demonstrate commitment to improving land and water management through on-farm action, scientific research or community involvement.

Tom Dunbabin is currently Chair of the wool industry’s Sustainable Wool Advisory Group; a reference committee appointed by Australian Wool Innovation Limited (AWI) and Land & Water Australia which provides advice to the national Land, Water & Wool research initiative.

Tom, together with his wife Cynthia and their son Matt, are fourth and fifth generation woolgrowers on their family’s historic, 6000-hectare property ‘Bangor’ near Dunalley in Tasmania’s south-east. They also run Merino wethers on a 2000ha property ‘The Quoin’ near Ross in the Midlands.

Land & Water Australia Executive Director Andrew Campbell said that for over 20 years, Tom and Cynthia Dunbabin have been an inspirational and practical example of how business profitability and sound environmental practices can go hand-in-hand.

“Because their business is heavily dependent on native grasslands and woodlands for grazing capacity, the Dunbabins have always shown leadership in improving our understanding of the local and regional ecology,” he said.

Australian Wool Innovation Limited Chief Executive Officer Dr Len Stephens added that such a passion to learn more about their landscape, and the wider environmental issues affecting the wool industry, had resulted in the Dunbabins making a significant contribution to wool industry research and development.

“Woolgrowers such as Tom and Cynthia understand that to ensure our wool industry remains healthy, the resource base on which it relies must be managed in a sustainable manner. It is clear from their actions, and now this significant award, that balancing production with good environmental outcomes results in profitability, productivity and sustainability gains,” Dr Stephens said.

For further information contact: Ian Rogan, AWI Wool Production General Manager - (02) 9299 5155