Emergency, bushfires and extreme events

Preparing for the unexpected

Extreme weather and bushfires place huge pressure on our landscapes, wildlife and communities. At Landscapes Hills and Fleurieu, we work with partners, local organisations and community members to prepare for, respond to and recover from these events.

Together, we aim to reduce the impact on natural assets such as soil, water and biodiversity while helping our region recover in ways that strengthen its resilience for the future.

The Hills and Fleurieu emergency preparedness, response and recovery plan

After the Cudlee Creek bushfire we collaborated with regional partners to develop the Emergency Preparedness, Response and Recovery Plan for the Hills and Fleurieu region.

The plan is a practical guide for organisations involved in landscape management and sets out:

• preparedness actions – measures to reduce the risk of natural hazards and limit damage to natural assets
• biodiversity advice – information on priority conservation assets to guide emergency responses
• post-event recovery actions – steps to help ecosystems and natural landscapes recover after an event

This region-wide approach helps ensure recovery efforts are coordinated, effective and based on the best available knowledge.

Supporting recovery on the ground

Recovery from a bushfire is about more than rebuilding infrastructure – it’s about helping people reconnect with their land and care for the natural systems that sustain us.

Through recovery projects, we have:

• worked directly with landholders to develop Bushfire Recovery Action Plans (BRAPs)
• provided access to funding for actions such as rabbit control, weed management, fencing of waterways and regenerating bushland and revegetation
• connected fire-affected landholders with our Bushfire Recovery Team for technical expertise and practical support
• encouraged neighbours and local groups to collaborate on recovery activities, building community resilience to future events

Helping nature bounce back

Bushfires and extreme weather have lasting effects on ecosystems. Our role is to help the environment recover while minimising future risks. We do this by:

• guiding landholders on how to protect regenerating bushland and manage fire-driven weeds
• supporting pest animal control to reduce pressure on recovering landscapes
• promoting revegetation to stabilise soil, restore habitat and provide food and shelter for wildlife
• raising awareness about the value of burnt trees and tree hollows as critical habitat for birds, bats and other species

Working together for resilience

We recognise that recovery takes time and collaboration. By working with state government agencies, community groups and landholders we help the Hills and Fleurieu region adapt to changing conditions and be better prepared for whatever the future holds.