See All Of Our Projects

Post-Bushfire Flora Recovery Project

Projects • Plants

Summary

The 2019–20 Black Summer bushfires were catastrophic, burning millions of hectares across south-eastern Australia and placing hundreds of threatened plant species at risk of extinction. Many populations were completely burnt, with little information on their survival, regeneration, or ongoing threats.

The Post-Bushfire Flora Recovery Project is filling these critical gaps. Led by the Threatened Species Conservancy (TSC) in partnership with the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment (NSW) and the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (Victoria), the project focuses on 45 highly threatened plant taxa across New South Wales and Victoria, 34 of which are federally listed as national priorities. This is the first coordinated effort to assess their survival, secure germplasm, and provide the evidence base needed for long-term recovery.

 

Project Strategy

  • Conduct field surveys and monitoring for 45 threatened plant taxa across NSW and Victoria.

  • Develop and implement monitoring protocols to ensure consistent data collection.

  • Survey for unrecorded populations to support future protection and genetic rescue.

  • Collect germplasm (seed and tissue) for long-term conservation at RBGV and the Australian Plant Bank.

  • Propagate critically threatened species, such as Gentiana bredboensis, for ex-situ conservation and future translocation.

  • Install protective caging to reduce herbivory impacts.

  • Engage Traditional Owners, volunteers, and community groups in monitoring and recovery actions.

  • Produce communication materials and reports to raise awareness and share findings.


Partners

  • Threatened Species Conservancy (TSC) – Project leadership

  • NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment (DPIE)

  • Victorian Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP)

  • Arthur Rylah Institute (ARI)

  • Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria (RBGV)

  • Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council (QPRC)

  • Traditional Owners and community volunteers

 

Costs

  • Estimated Cost: $894,360 

  • Funding Received: $0

  • Duration: 5 years 



 

Change begins with a single act of support.

Donate Today
Abi Smith

Abi Smith is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Threatened Species Conservancy (TSC). A highly respected fauna ecologist, Abi brings over 20 years of experience in threatened species recovery, wildlife management, and habitat restoration.