Hydrated Landscapes
Hydrated Landscapes
The catastrophic fires of 2019 came after many years of drought. Keeping soil hydrated may reduce the risk of fire, and maintaining canopy can assist in reducing evaporation.
Impact sprinklers and drip irrigation can assist in keeping gardens hydrated.
Read our sections on Stormwater and Landscaping to learn more about the important role of swamps in hydrating our landscape, and how we can protect them.
Read our section on Greening (under Heatwaves) to learn about the role of vegetation or ‘Green Water’.
Water Management, Optimism and Preparation to Reduce Disaster Risk
Andy at Mount Victoria defended his property by dumping 40,000l of water on it as the fire arrived. He believes that water management systems that reuse stormwater, grey water and blackwater, and build moist water retentive soils with drip irrigation, can reduce the risks associated with drought, fire, flood and heatwave.
Rainforest Aircon
Bill Dixon, a Springwood resident, believes rainforest gardens can be an adaptation strategy for a changing climate, providing shade and cooler temperatures. Rainforest species may also help mitigate against ember attack in bushfires due to their dense foliage and less flammable leaves.