WOMEN are set to take charge on Australia’s most remote sub-Antarctic island for the first time in history.
Pint-sized wildlife ranger Andrea Turbett has been promoted to ranger in charge on Macquarie Island, located 1500km southeast of Tasmania.
The move will mark the first time all senior positions on the sub-Antarctic base are held by women.
By her side battling the harshest weather conditions in Australia will be station leader Jacque Comery from Canberra, doctor Marion Davies from Western Australia and Tasmanian wildlife ranger Anna Lashko.
Ms Turbett, 30, will be tasked with monitoring wildlife and vegetation on the 34km-long island travelling solo, battling knee-deep snow on stretches longer than 10km between the survival huts that dot the wild island.
Her reign comes a year after the island was pronounced pest free when the $25 million Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service pest eradication project ended in 2014.
More than 100,000 rabbits were removed using bait, sniffer dogs and hunters.
Ms Turbett will oversee regrowth of various native grasses along with monitoring the effects on penguins and albatross that live on the island.
Between expeditions, she will help the crew of 12 on base, which includes Australian Antarctic Division members, tradies and three workers from the Bureau of Meteorology.
Strict biosecurity means fresh fruit is banned from the island. However, authorities have stocked a big supply of Tim Tams on base to help top up Ms Turbett’s energy levels.
More than I00.000 rabbits eradicated? Wow the place must have been overrun!
Lol at the Tim Tams.
