The new Firewise sign is now proudly in place at the Mallacoota P-12 College, Firewise Trail site.
This garden serves as a living example of how thoughtful planting design – based on current and ongoing research – can help make local environments more resilient to bushfires.
Through the Firewise project, Far East Victoria Landcare aims to raise awareness of how native plant species can be strategically used around homes and infrastructure to reduce bushfire risk, while also enhancing local biodiversity.
“Saltbush, Pigface, and Blue Oliveberry planted last year are doing really well,” Landcare facilitator, Josh Puglisi said.
“Some plants have been nibbled by rabbits and kangaroos, so we’ve decided to keep the tree guards in place a little longer.”
The newly installed signage at the site lists a range of recommended groundcovers, shrubs, and trees that may be better suited to high-risk fire zones.
This garden – one of eight Firewise demonstration sites across Far East Gippsland – not only sparks conversations about fire resilience but also highlights the benefits of incorporating local native plants into our landscapes to protect both people and the environment.
The Firewise Project is funded by the Australian Government’s Preparing Australian Communities program, in partnership with
the Foundation for National Parks and Wildlife (FNPW).
FNPW is an environmental charity that has supported communities in restoring and conserving Australia’s natural environment for more than 50 years.
To stay up-to-date with the Firewise Project, follow them on Facebook.
For more information, contact the project team via email.
This project received grant funding from the Australian Government through the Preparing Australian Communities Local Stream.
