Living Firebreaks Workshop

Join us to explore Living Firebreaks in action

South West NRM is leading a Living Firebreaks trial investigating whether strategically planted, low-flammability native vegetation can help reduce the impact of bushfires on properties in South West Western Australia, while delivering positive environmental outcomes.

Join us in Bridgetown for a workshop exploring the research behind Living Firebreaks and how this nature-based approach is being trialled under South West landscape and climatic conditions.

Hear presentations from South West NRM Sustainability & Environment Lead Linda Metz and Murdoch University researcher Nikky Maher on the research and design behind the project, including how plant traits and fire behaviour modelling have informed species selection and the establishment of trial sites across the region.

Following the presentations, we’ll have lunch before travelling to Boyup Brook to visit one of the four Living Firebreak trial sites. See the project on the ground, learn more about how the trial has been designed and established, and take part in an onsite Q&A.

The workshop is being held with the support of Blackwood Environment Society.

When: Friday 16 October 2026
Where: Bridgetown (include venue) + visit to trial site at Boyup Brook
Time: 10:00am - 2:30pm

The day will include:

• presentations from South West NRM Sustainability & Environment Lead Linda Metz and Murdoch University researcher Nikky Maher

• lunch

• afternoon field trip to the Boyup Brook Living Firebreak trial site

• onsite Q&A
  

The Living Firebreaks project is delivered in collaboration with NRM Regions Australia with the support of the Minderoo Foundation as part of an ongoing national program to improve awareness, capability, and investment for nature-based solutions that can deliver broad benefits across Australia.