The forested catchments of the Upper Yarra Water reservoir are a vital part of Melbourne’s water supply. However, large-scale high-severity bushfires are a natural occurrence in these forests and bushfire risk is a key consideration for Melbourne Water. A range of bushfire strategies and actions can reduce bushfire impacts and risk. Using a risk-based approach to design the strategies improves our understanding of the drivers of risk as well as the impact different combinations of actions can have on overall risk. This project aims to quantify bushfire risk to the Upper Yarra WSC and test bushfire management options to minimise risk.
Project timeline: 07/2024 – 07/2027