6 March 2026
Project Platypus has launched a new fire recovery initiative to support landholders in fire affected area of the Wimmera region. The program will help landholder’s with their conservation efforts to monitor biodiversity, undertake on-ground recovery actions, and restore landscapes impacted by recent bushfires.
The program is funded by the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) and the Wimmera Catchment Management Authority (WCMA) and also partners with the local Landcare networks.
According to Project Officer, Hayley Jones “This program provides landholders with practical ways to support biodiversity and help their land recover after fire”. “Fires can have a devastating impact on the environment, and it’s important that we take positive action to
support recovery.”
The project focuses on nine demonstration sites in areas affected by the February 2024 fires near Dadswells Bridge and Pomonal, and the 2024/2025 fires in The Grampians and Little Desert National Parks.
Project Platypus staff are deploying monitoring equipment and conducting field-based research to determine how biodiversity is recovering after fire. Monitoring activities include vegetation surveys, tree hollow counts, pest plant and animal monitoring, habitat supplementation, and AI-assisted fauna monitoring using thermal cameras and acoustic devices.
“Monitoring both native and pest species can help us understand how the environment responds to fire, and guide us in identifying the most effective actions to support recovery” said Hayley.
Landholders Max and Jenny Green, whose Dadswells Bridge property was impacted by the Mt Staplyton blaze in February 2024, said the support with post-fire weed management has been invaluable. “We have appreciated the support in treating weeds effectively and giving the bush a chance to recover”. They are also exploring the potential of a new AI-powered ‘Bird PUC,’ which is providing valuable insights into the bird species returning to their property.
The program runs until October 2026 and will include public workshops for landholders, citizen scientists and nature enthusiasts, covering topics such as nocturnal species monitoring, plant and weed identification, fire ecology, and nest box construction. These sessions aim to build practical knowledge and strengthen community engagement in post-fire recovery efforts.
Project Platypus is proud to provide this vital support to Wimmera landholders, combining science, technology, and hands-on expertise to promote ecological recovery, resilience, and long-term conservation outcomes on fire-affected properties.
Hayley Jones
Project Officer