Dozens of conservation properties burnt in Victorian fires sparks call for help

More than 130 conservation properties with important patches of woodland, grassland and forest have been affected by fires in north east, central and western Victoria amid widespread damage to homes, infrastructure and farming. 

The privately owned properties include more than 30 properties with conservation covenants and approximately 100 Land for Wildlife properties. One of Trust for Nature’s reserves has also been impacted by the fires. 

Victorian conservation organisation Trust for Nature has launched an urgent appeal to raise funds to support landholders and care for habitat for threatened wildlife such as Southern Greater Gliders and Booroolong Tree Frogs. 

One of the landholders impacted is Fiona Murdoch, Mallee Conservation. Around 160 ha (hectares) of her 500 ha conservation covenant Raakajlim south east of Mildura burned on Friday 9 January. 

“Some of the habitat that burned isn’t naturally resilient to fire. We’ve got trees hundreds of years old that have burned. It’s irreplaceable,” Fiona said. 

Since acquiring the property in 2001, Fiona and her family have dedicated time and resources to restoring habitat on the property, including building a 13 km electric fence to keep pests out of native habitat. Around 4 km of the fence was damaged in the fires, as well as 53 ha of revegetation, and habitat for the endangered Mallee Bronze Azure Butterfly. 

“Our absolutely priority is restoring the fence. We have to keep feral pigs out of the native habitat. Pigs are abundant in the area at the moment,” said Fiona. 

Fiona also expressed her deep gratitude to Country Fire Authority volunteers and Forest Fire Management Victoria for their assistance managing the fires. 

Corinne Proske, CEO of Trust for Nature, said impacted landholders would need support over the coming months.  
 
“While we’re yet to understand the full extent of the impact of the fires, we know that the impact on private land has been dramatic. These are passionate people who have dedicated countless hours, years and often decades restoring and caring for nature on their properties so wildlife can thrive, and now they need our help,” said Corinne. 

“Although it looks devastating now, habitat will bounce back. But in the face of climate change and other pressures such as introduced pests and weeds, it's vital that we do what we can to help nature and wildlife recover,” Corinne said. 

Funds raised will be distributed to landholders with conservation covenants or Land for Wildlife membership as support payments. Activities funded may include repairing fences and weed and pest control, and longer-term support to manage and restore habitat. After fires, wildlife are more vulnerable to introduced predators like foxes; herbivores like deer and goats eat recovering plants; and weeds can invade burnt areas. 

Trust for Nature covenantors and Land for Wildlife members protect vital habitat for wildlife in Victoria outside national parks and other reserves. Habitat on private land provides a refuge for species in cleared landscapes, and helps connect larger patches of habitat. 

Conservation covenants are voluntary agreements that permanently protect and preserve private land with natural, cultural or scientific values. Registered on the property’s title, the covenant permanently protects habitat, even if the property changes ownership. Trust for Nature supports landholders to manage their properties through the organisation’s stewardship program.  

Land for Wildlife is a free, voluntary and inclusive program that supports landholders of all property types in protecting and enhancing native habitat. Members receive expert advice, educational resources and recognition through a Land for Wildlife sign.   

To make a donation in support of the Landholder Support – Bushfire Recovery Appeal, visit the Trust for Nature website.  

Trust for Nature is one of Australia’s first conservation organisations, established in 1972 to protect habitat on private land. It relies on the generosity of supporters to help protect Victoria’s biodiversity.  

QUOTES ATTRIBUTABLE TO FIONA MURDOCH, COVENANTOR, MALLEE CONSERVATION: 

“The fire spotted onto Raakajilm from an adjoining private property. They spread south into Hattah-Kulkyne National Park and then burned back across our property with the wind change. The total fire impacted area is around 900 ha. 

“The fires burned about 160 ha of the 500 ha Raakajilm conservation property, including 4 km of electric fence designed to exclude pest animals from native habitat. Some of the habitat isn’t naturally resilient to fire. It’s irreplaceable. We’ve got trees hundreds of years old that have burned.  

“Around 53 ha of the 65 ha revegetation that we have done on the property since 2009 has been impacted, and there is a lot of damage to tracks.   

“Our absolute priority is restoring the fence. We have to keep feral pigs out of important wetlands on the property. Pigs are abundant in the area at the moment.   

“We also need to look at safety of potentially hazardous trees.  

“I’d like to say a special thanks to the Country Fire Authority volunteers who responded on Friday and Forest Fire Management Victoria who helped us on the day and since. They have been competent, calm and helpful, we couldn’t ask for better support.”