Bushfires and biodiversity
Bushfire and biodiversity
The 2019–20 ‘Cudlee Creek’ bushfires severely impacted several significant remnant vegetation sites and biodiversity in the Mount Barker District.
Approximately 7700 hectares or 32% of the total fire ground occurred in our district, including reserves, watercourses in the Murray River Catchment and significant native vegetation roadsides that are important corridors and habitat.
The fire-affected areas were left exposed to severe weed infestation. Loss of native flora has occurred. Native wildlife has also been displaced and is experiencing loss of suitable habitat. Biodiversity in the district is at risk of substantial and irreversible loss without recovery efforts. The Economic Development and Sustainable Futures Team have secured a grant of $150,000 in the federal government’s ‘Bushfire Recovery for Wildlife and Habitat Community Grants Program‘ to undertake weed control, seed collection, propagation of local indigenous species, revegetation, provision of artificial hollows and nest boxes, protection of affected watercourses and flora, fauna and habitat surveys, mapping and recording.
The project will be complete by April 2022. We look forward to keeping you updated on our progress.
