DELWP to work with Wimmera community to help preserve the iconic red gum

A Department of Environment, Land, Water & Planning spokesperson said the red gum, otherwise known as Eucalyptus camaldulensis, was impacted dramatically by European colonisation

"The biggest decline of red gums initially occurred through land clearing," they said.

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The spokesperson said red gum growth could be impacted by water availability, algal blooms, soil salinity, farming irrigation and redirection of water.

"Removal of trees for firewood and timber; land use changes; and climate change also have an impact," they said.

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The spokesperson said standing water, such as flood water, may help improve the germination rates of the trees.

They said many areas which currently supported red gums were impacted by changes to flooding cycles and natural water.

"As the old trees die they are not being replaced naturally, and the normal process of succession and vegetation renewal which comes from inundation will cease," they said.

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The spokesperson said there were numerous organisations and groups that were involved in the rehabilitation of the red gum.

"Support groups like Trust for Nature, Landcare, local councils or catchment management authorities who have existing land protection works in place, as well as a focus on vegetation rehabilitation," they said.

People interested in learning more about the restoration of red gums in the Wimmera can visit wcma.vic.gov.au.

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