By the time this edition of Bushtracks is released into the world, it will be two years since the devastating bushfires of the Black Summer. For many Australians, the ripples of those events are still spreading out, and so it is too for the bush.
On our reserves, bushfire recovery will continue for some time. But there have been some silver linings. Brogo Reserve, Yuin country on the New South Wales far south coast, is one of many landscapes that we protect to have received bushfire recovery funding. In ‘A closer look at Brogo’, we explore how that funding is allowing us to care for Brogo better than ever before, starting with targeted threatened species surveys.
The cover of this edition takes you to our newest reserve, Buckrabanyule, on Dja Dja Wurrung country in north-central Victoria. Here we have protected a hugely important cultural site from potential subdivision and secured access to the source of the region’s largest Wheel Cactus infestation which impacts many surrounding properties including our Nardoo Hills reserves.
Now, through our joint-management of this land with DJAARA – the corporation representing Dja Dja Wurrung people – we have the opportunity to heal country and control a significant environmental threat.
This magazine also includes an update on our Balanggarra partnership in the Kimberley, where we are supporting a key governance role that will help drive conservation, social and cultural outcomes. And of course, there’s the incredible story of plants and pollinators in south-west Western Australia.
As we embark on our 2030 Strategic Plan, you'll be hearing many more exciting stories such as these. We have an ambitious goal to deepen and double our impact across our existing reserves and partnerships, while also aiming to grow our footprint to cover 30 million hectares – an area of land equivalent to about 40% of New South Wales.
As you read these stories, I hope they serve as small reminders of the impact that your support makes possible. For this, I am so grateful.
Heather Campbell, Chief Executive Officer.