The conference, hosted jointly by the Clean Air Society of Australia and New Zealand (CASANZ) and the International Water Association (IWA), highlighted Cape Grim as one of the world’s premier baseline air pollution monitoring stations.

The main part of the conference attracted more than 350 professionals to Hobart, with a select group gaining a rare insight into cutting-edge environmental research at Cape Grim.

Located near Smithton, Cape Grim is globally recognised for monitoring the cleanest air on Earth, often measuring air quality up to 1,000 times cleaner than what is found in Melbourne on a good day.

As one of only three stations in the World Meteorological Organisation-Global Atmosphere Watch (WMO-GAW) network, the facility is an invaluable resource for understanding the impact of human activity on the atmosphere.

“Cape Grim offered our members a unique opportunity to experience firsthand a world-leading research facility,” CASANZ Member and Astute Environmental Consulting Principal Environmental Engineer Geordie Galvin said.

“While many of our participants were familiar with Cape Grim’s work, few had observed the sophisticated equipment and techniques used in environmental monitoring in person.

“This visit deepened their understanding and provided a richer perspective than could ever be achieved through online resources or remote application of similar methods.”

Unit Head Climate Change Policy at the NSW Environmental Protection Agency Ruby Kay said the visit to Cape Grim was a unique experience which benefited everyone.

“Cape Grim is such an amazing facility, it was great to see all of it in person and hear first-hand about the varied work being conducted there,” she said.

“All of us at some point in our careers will utilise the Cape Grim data so understanding it in more detail and seeing how it is collected will build upon what we already know and further inform our own work.

“The range of world-leading work being done at Cape Grim is truly amazing and the trip presented a fantastic opportunity for all of us to gain a clearer insight into that work and experience Tasmania’s beautiful north west coast in the process.”

The visit coincided with the CAPE-k (Cloud and Precipitation Experiment at Kennaook) scientific campaign, led by the United States Department of Energy’s Atmospheric Radiation Measurement Group.

“The collaboration of international groups and cross-agency partnerships is crucial for global climate monitoring and modelling,” Mr Galvin said.

“Witnessing these efforts at Cape Grim underscored the importance of global cooperation in addressing environmental challenges.”

The tour not only highlighted Tasmania’s role in global environmental research but also reinforced the state’s commitment to supporting cutting-edge science and fostering international collaboration.

“This event clearly showed how strategically aligned conferences can enhance Tasmania’s reputation as a leader in environmental science while at the same time contributing to the local economy,” Business Events Tasmania Chief Executive Officer Marnie Craig said.

“The visit to Cape Grim was a perfect example of the unique experiences that our state can offer to international delegates.

“Business events like this are worth $199 million to the Tasmanian economy annually.

“While these and other events attract international experts to Tasmania, they provide opportunities to share our culture, ideas and create opportunities for future investment.”

For more information on the conference and the site visit head to www.cleanairconference.com and www.odourconference2024.com