Drone in flight for endangered gum

THE search for an at-risk tree found only in Victoria has received a technological boost.

A drone has been used across the Ballarat and Creswick area to locate yarra gums.

David Unwin, president of Bald Hills Creswick Landcare, said the trees, which were found between the Grampians and Gippsland by waterways and on flat terrain, said it was important Victorians preserved the species.

The drone was on show at an interactive session at Creswick’s Calembeen Park this month.

“They are a critically endangered species, and only occur in Victoria,” he said. “For that reason alone, we as Victorians are custodians for the species. That puts a responsibility on us to ensure its survival.

“Raising awareness of threats to them also helps raise awareness of threats to many other species, as all species are affected by habitat loss and fragmentation.”

The trees appeared on the radar of the landcare group in early 2025, when they could not find the species in areas around the region that were known to have them.

With funding from North Central CMA, the landcare group used a remotely piloted drone from KJR Australia on Friday 20 March and Saturday 21 March. Video from the drone was recorded over the Glen Park State Forest and Central Highlands Water’s Adekate Creek branch.

He said the group had found yarra gums in areas such as Glen Park State Forest before, but drone flights offered a range of benefits.

“We are hopeful that the drone recordings will help us to identify priority areas to search on foot to find yarra gums,” he said. “And then follow conservation steps necessary to collect seeds to rebuild their population, and make available for interested community members to plant.

“The footage can also be searched at a later stage for endangered brookers gums, or other species as required.

“Once we have assessed the size of the populations that we have identified, we intend to start collecting seeds and growing seedlings, making them available to the community, and working with councils to re-establish them in our area.”

Mr Unwin said the interactive session offered young people the chance to make a connection between technology and conservation.

More information can be found at Bald Hills Creswick Landcare’s Facebook page, or by email at [email protected]