Threats facing Western Australia’s Wildflowers

Find out more about the current threats to WA’s wildflowers and what you can do to help.

 

Clearing

Stopping land clearing has long been a focus of the Society. Members of the Conservation Committee and the Society worked to establish the Bushland Conservation Fund. The initial focus of the fund was a ‘Moratorium on Land Clearing’ until effective legislation was established. Legislation has been enacted but the legislation needs to be rigorously applied for it to be effective. In 2018-19 the Society through, this Committee and the Roadside Vegetation Committee, has made weekly submissions on proposals/approvals to clear bushland and native vegetation.

Wildflower Society determined to reduce native vegetation clearing amid lack of monitoring in WA – ABC Esperance 11 August 2024 see here

Listen to the RTR FM interview with Professor Kingsley Dixon re the need to protect WA’s biodiversity hotspots

Listen to the RTR FM interview with Dr Eddy Wajon about the Wildflower Society’s Roadside Vegetation Sub Committee and clearing.

Preserving our precious reserves

Alison Baird Reserve:  12 Nov 2021: Gardening Australia Series 32, episode 34, with Hans Lambers.

Climate change

Listen to the  RTR FM interview with Natarsha Woods, CEO of Wheatbelt NRM re the impact of climate change on Wheatbelt.

Dieback

Phytophthora Dieback is a major disease threat to WA’s wildflowers and other native plants. It’s caused by the introduced plant pathogen, Phytophthora cinnamomi, which is a microscopic water mould that attacks the root systems of susceptible plant species. Banksia communities are particularly susceptible.

Watch the South Coast NRM video on the threat of dieback in bushland

 

Read more about dieback and the activities of the Dieback Working Group and Project Dieback

Urban development

Listen to the RTR FM interview with Wildflower Society member, Mary Gray, re the impacts of urban development on our wildflowers

Watch the Urban Bushland Council video outlining the value of Perth’s Banksia woodlands and the threats posed to them from urban development.

 

Inappropriate Fire Regimes