Call to action for Bindook fire affected area
Partners come together to help landholders still grappling with recovery from the Black Summer
Collaborations - LP040-007
The issue
Local Landcare Coordinator (LLC), Xuela Sledge, was contacted by a landholder in the Bindook area regarding the necessity to replicate a flora and fauna survey conducted across five properties that she had been involved with back in 2008. The issue was that the whole area previously surveyed had been impacted by high intensity wildfire during the Black Summer disaster.
If there was a baseline survey available and if it could be replicated, then the actual impact that the fires had had on local biodiversity could be scientifically shown.
The solution
The solution - although not 100% addressed yet - was for the coordinating landholder to join Greater Sydney Landcare Network (GSLN) so the need for survey replication could be resourced via a GSLN grant application and resource delivery.
A couple of fire recovery grants were half attempted, but the LLC did not have time to see them through. So, an attractive proposal was put together, including background details, project justifications, budget and timeline (with pics), together with information from the 2008 survey report and details developed during the initial grant attempts. Once completed, the proposal was sent via email (with follow-up phone calls) to possible partners.
The impact
The proposal has achieved two immediate results. Firstly, 70 nest boxes were donated by Conservation Volunteers Australia (CVA), suitable for antechinus and Eastern Pygmy Possum. CVA accompanied GSLN for a weekend, where 32 nestboxes were installed on three of the five properties originally involved in the survey.
Secondly, Great Eastern Ranges (GER), were interested in the proposal as part of their corridors projects. Discussions are currently happening regarding the support available from GER, as they have recently received some funding through the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW). A swathe of initiatives have been offered to the Bindook properties as a result.
Learnings
Approaching potential partners with a professional-looking proposal package that is succinct and visual improves the chances of resourcing.
Having project scope, budget requirements and justification information available allows for quick turn-around when funding opportunities arise.
Key facts
- An attractive project proposal outlining exactly what is required for the project in terms of activities, funding and timeline makes for tangible and discrete communications resource that can be sent on to prospective partners whenever the opportunity arises.