East Gippsland
The forests and coastal ecosystems of the East Gippsland region are defined by the East Gippsland Natural Resource Management boundary and cover an area greater than 2 million hectares. The Gunaikurnia People are recognised as the Traditional Owners in Gippsland, west of the Snowy River, and have a strong cultural connection with its lands and waters.
Impacts of the 2019–20 bushfires
East Gippsland was significantly impacted by the 2019-20 summer bushfires. More than 870,000 hectares were burnt in the region, with 59 per cent at high or very high severity.
This map shows the extent and severity of the 2019–20 bushfires in the forests and coastal ecosystems of East Gippsland region.
This map shows the extent and severity of the 2019–20 bushfires in the forests and coastal ecosystems of East Gippsland region.
Important environmental values within the East Gippsland region, that have been recommended for urgent management intervention include:
- 57 animal species, including the Long-footed Potoroo, four galaxias fish species, the Eastern Bristlebird, five spiny crayfish species, and the Sedge Darter.
- 50 plant species including the Gippsland Banksia, Betka Bottlebrush, and Leafy Nematolepis.
- four Threatened Ecological Communities, including Alpine Sphagnum Bogs and Associated Fens.
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Photo: George Bayliss CC BY-NC 2.0 |
David Cook CC BY-NC 2.0 |
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The Long-footed Potoroo has 76 per cent of its range in the East Gippsland region, of which 74 per cent was burnt. Threats to this endangered marsupial include habitat destruction and predation by feral animals. |
Bushfire recovery actions in the region have supported threatened species like the vulnerable Greater Glider through the building of hollows and refuges. |
Australian Government bushfire recovery funding in the region
As part of the Australian Government’s initial $50 million investment in bushfire recovery for wildlife and habitats, $1.2 million has been directly invested in the East Gippsland region. This includes:
- $750,000 to East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority for recovery actions including pest animal control, weed control and habitat restoration.
- $336,090 to Cmore Pty Ltd to install tree hollows and create refuges for native wildlife affected by bushfires.
- $131,250 to East Gippsland Landcare Network to help landowners support recovery by revegetating and protecting remnant vegetation.
Additional funding includes:
- $3.4 million for grant projects where some activities are being undertaken in East Gippsland to support Eastern Bristlebirds, snails, butterflies, beetles and orchids.
- $3 million to the Victorian Government to assist with post-fire recovery of species including the Long-footed Potoroo, Eastern Bristlebird and freshwater fish species.
Next steps
Through the bushfire Regional Fund the Australian Government is investing $110 million to provide strategic on-ground support for the most impacted native species, ecological communities and natural assets across seven bushfire affected regions.
A co-design workshop was held with stakeholders from the forests and coastal ecosystems of the East Gippsland region on 1 September 2020. The aim of the workshop was to engage and collaborate with stakeholders to identify regional investment priorities for post-fire recovery of species and natural assets. The workshop report is available below.
Forests and coastal ecosystems of the East Gippsland - Regional Bushfire Recovery Workshop Report (PDF - 3.58 MB)
Forests and coastal ecosystems of the East Gippsland - Regional Bushfire Recovery Workshop Report (DOCX - 6.76 MB)
Investment decisions will be guided by the workshop outcomes and will include careful consideration of community capacity, existing recovery efforts and value for money. Funding will primarily be provided through existing arrangements, for example with NRM regions and/or state governments. This will include formal and informal partnerships with other organisations and community groups where this will enhance recovery outcomes.