COVID-19 update: We're still planting

In January, we Australians were grappling with the enormity of what’s come to be known as the Black Summer bushfires. Now the world is contending with the ramifications of a global pandemic.

As news of COVID-19 fills our screens and airwaves, our thoughts are with the sick and those affected in other ways, but the many communities, as well as wildlife and bushland, still struggling with aftershock from the fires also remain firmly in our thoughts.

Our work restoring Australia’s unique and precious landscapes is more critical than ever to help people and nature thrive.

The many co-benefits of targeted restoration and conservation, such as agricultural productivity, catchment protection and bushfire recovery, are recognised as an essential service to the nation and we are working on, all while implementing extra precautions and doing our bit to support the enormous nationwide response to COVID-19.

Our office-based people are fully deployed from home and our people in the field are proving as resilient as ever by adjusting impressively and rapidly to continue their work safely.

Some of our partners have been unable to continue their work with us and projects with some of our Indigenous community partners has been impacted. We see this is a temporary but necessary measure on the journey towards our shared vision of people and nature thriving together.

You may also have read that we recently joined 80 environmental, farming and conservation groups in proposing an integrated economic response to the coronavirus and bushfire crises to state and federal governments. As a coalition, we see strong potential to create 24,000 jobs in land rehabilitation as part of a post-pandemic stimulus package.

Now, on the very good news front, we are welcoming the rainfalls across the country – it’s time to get busy preparing to plant. This is looking to be our biggest season yet, and we look forward to sharing the news of our work with you in the weeks and months ahead.

Finally, from all of us here at Greening Australia, thank you for your support. We hope you, your family and friends, and your community are staying safe, well and connected in these challenging times.

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