Bushfire recovery in the ACT

The devastating January 2003 bushfires that roared through the Australian Capital Territory left behind a scorched landscape. But a brave recovery has emerged to take stock of natural resources and protect the water catchment and remnant vegetation.

Funding

The Bushfire Recovery Project, funded with $400,000 from the Australian Government's Natural Heritage Trust and in-kind contributions from the ACT Government, conducted an initial audit and found the firestorm had burned across 70 per cent of the ACT. Tree canopies were scorched or completely burned over one-third of the territory.

Activities

Following an audit and monitoring, a restoration programme began with soil conservation and catchment protection measures such as trail restoration.

Former manager of Research and Monitoring with ACT Parks, Conservation and Lands, Dr David Shorthouse, said priority riverbank and conservation areas were targeted for fencing to restrict stock, 4WDs and trail bikes, and for weed and feral animal control.

"These included endangered Yellow Box/Red Gum community and wet forests including Alpine Ash, Broad Leaved Peppermint and Mountain Gum," David said. "Sub-alpine bogs - habitat for the endangered Northern Corroboree Frog - were also a focus, as well as riverbank vegetation near streams where a range of threatened fish species occur."

Achievements

Tracks and trails were restored over a 10-week period to reduce impacts on native fish populations. David said it was crucial to manage water flows and soil erosion before any snow falls and heavy spring rain. Fencing was also completed to help riverbank vegetation regenerate.

Feral animal control was carried out on rabbits and pigs over four weeks and a weed control programme tackled blackberry and woody weeds.

The weed programme aimed to boost native plant renewal. It particularly targeted broad leafed weeds such as patterson's curse in native grassland areas, blackberry control along wet gully lines and nodding thistle in endangered woodland communities.

"As in most times of crisis, the ACT community banded together in a show of support," David said. "This included the ACT Flora and Fauna Committee, which provided guidance on the recovery project.

"There was also enormous support from rural lessees and the general Canberra community, which attended forums and demonstrated a strong commitment to the conservation and restoration of natural values."

Other key stakeholders included the National Parks Association, Interim Namadgi Joint Management Board and other volunteer conservation groups.

More information

1. Dr David Shorthouse, Manager Research & Monitoring: (02) 6207 6379 or david.shorthouse@act.gov.au

Australian Government NRM Team
GPO Box 787
Canberra ACT 2601 Australia
1800 552 008 (toll-free)

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Caring for our Country is an Australian Government initiative jointly administered by the Australian Government departments of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts