Ecological Impacts

The Australian bush has evolved with fire and so is well equipped to cope with the disturbance.

Some plants such as Grevilleas, Bush Peas, Wattles, Woody Pears, Eucalypts and Banksias need fire as part of their germination process. Smoke has also been proven important to the germination process for several species.

Bushfires can clear away some of the older plants, making way for new young plants to sprout and grow due to the increased available light. Many plants are able to withstand fire by reshooting, and may have thick bark to protect the living trunk.

The ash left behind by bushfires can increase the fertility of the soil through changes in PH and nutrient levels, providing bonus nutrients for new plants.

If fires are too frequent then trees which take a long time to mature and spread seed will be replaced by faster-growing plants.

Within three to four weeks of a fire many trees will begin to sprout foliage. Wattles and banksias grow from the roots. A regenerating forest will need a lot more water than an established forest, so this may be a problem in drought times.