CCMA trains authority to fight dieback

Anglesea's CFA underwent a special training to limit 'dieback' transmission, learning to properly decontaminate their vehicles. Photo: SUPPLIED

ANGLESEA CFA has completed advanced biosecurity training to protect the town’s ecosystems by managing a ‘Phytophthora’ dieback.

Dieback, whichis scientifically known as Phytophthora cinnamomi, is an introduced plant pathogen that is devastating local habitats, that provide food and shelter for local animals.

Corangamite Catchment Management Authority’s (CMA) Jessica Miller hosted the training with is part of the federal government’s Wild Otways Initiative.

“The workshop empowered staff and volunteers from the CFA with the skills to identify Phytophthora dieback and prevent its spread through the simple measures of effective boot and vehicle cleaning,” Ms Miller said.

“Dieback is recognised as a major threat to Australia’s biodiversity, and the health of our bushlands depends on all of us taking responsibility for the environment and practising good hygiene.”

Managed by Corangamite CMA, the Wild Otways Initiative is a $6 million investment into conserving the Otways through research and land management with partner organisations and agencies.

The project’s area encompasses the entire Otways landscape, from Bells Beach and Ironbark Basin to Port Campbell.

Dieback also lives in organic matter such as soil and water.

It also attacks the roots Grass Trees and Banksias, preventing the plants’ uptake of nutrients and water from the soil, causing their death.

Corangamite CMA stated emergency responders were acting quickly to save the significant ecological health of the Anglesea heathlands, which is particularly susceptible to Phytophthora dieback.

“Taking a few minutes to more effectively complete vehicle washdowns allows [the CFA] to mobilise in response to emergencies that threaten the safety of the community, be it bushfire or flood, without causing damage to the local environment,” Ms Miller saidd.

The Corangamite CMA is working with Parks Victoria and DELWP on public land in The Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park.

For more information, head to the Corangamite CMA’s website.