Marri Reserve temporarily closed to allow vegetation recovery from Dunsborough bushfire

Following the devastating bushfire in Dunsborough last month, the Marri Reserve has been temporarily closed for safety reasons and to allow the vegetation to recover.

The reserve was burned out by the fire on February 16, which made its way through about 40ha of bushland to the west of Cape Naturaliste Terrace.

The City of Busselton said the vegetation, rich with native fauna including the critically endangered black cockatoo and western ringtail possum, “is in a very fragile state”.

A Marri Reserve Recovery Team has been formed to guide the regeneration of the area by addressing key issues such as weed management, feral animal control and access.

All entrances to the reserve have been blocked and the city have asked the public to avoid the area.

The Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions has surveyed the area for remaining wildlife in need of care, and the city urged the public to report any sightings of injured fauna to the Wildcare Hotline on 9474 9055

The city have also asked people to keep their pets indoors or contained within yards to protect the wildlife.

“Western ringtail possums are likely seeking shelter in surrounding residential areas — these animals are now outside their usual habitat and vulnerable to predation,” they said.

People near the reserve who want to help can install a possum drey in their backyards, with instructions available on the Geocatch website.

Anyone who would like to be involved in the recovery and join the Friends of Marri Reserve group can contact city environment officers on 9781 0444.