Firewise Project.

A new approach to becoming Fire Wise

After lots of discussions with landowners in fire impacted areas, Far East Landcare Victoria (FEVL) and the Foundation for National Parks & Wildlife (FNPW) and are excited to announce the commencement of the commencement of Firewise in the Far East.

The Fire Wise project aims to improve, share, test and demonstrate our understanding of how numerous species of indigenous (native) plants, can be retained or planted in strategic locations around the built environment, to better protect our assets from bushfires and enhance our local biodiversity.

With a mix of demonstration sites, educational activities, educational materials, ongoing research and collaboration, the project will raise the profile of fire planning and ‘Fire Wise’ awareness within the community and the Landcare network. 

The Fire Wise project is spreading and adding to the knowledge that grew out of some pioneering research that Lakes Entrance Community Landcare initiated in 2001. They found that many native plant species have fire-retardant and/or fire-resistant properties that make them a good choice for properties in fire-prone areas. Such plants can reduce wind speed, absorb radiant heat, and trap embers.

The Fire Wise Project is funded by the Australian Government Preparing Australian Communities program in partnership with the Foundation for National Parks & Wildlife (FNPW). FNPW is an environmental charity organisation, that has been assisting communities to restore and conserve Australia’s natural environment for more than 50 years.

Ian Darbyshire, CEO of FNPW said “We are thrilled to be part of this exciting project that will increase fire safety awareness and also assist in protecting and enhancing our native flora and fauna.” 

By its completion in March 2025, the project will deliver several key outcomes that are designed to progress a well-balanced community-based Fire Wise journey:

·        Develop a Firewise Planting site at the new Moogji Aboriginal Council Bushbank site

·        Work with all interested schools in Far East Gippsland to develop a plan for planting and maintaining Firewise gardens.

·        Work with local Nurseries to identify and propagate suitable Firewise plants for the project and available to the public.

Far East Landcare is extremely excited about this project and the skills and knowledge that will be gained. It will enable us to further integrate fire planning into our land management planning and advice programs. With a changing climate, this is an essential service that we will be able to provide to the community. 

To keep up to date with this project, look out for project updates on our Facebook page and further information on this project please email faciliator@fevl.org.au

This project received grant funding from the Australian Government through the Preparing Australian Communities local stream.