Published on Tuesday, 24 March 2026 at 2:42:19 PM
Marri Reserve in Dunsborough is showing encouraging signs of recovery following the bushfire that passed through the area in February 2025. Thanks to the winter rains, a remarkable amount of native vegetation has begun to regenerate, with seeds successfully establishing and many trees and grass trees already resprouting across the reserve.
As the landscape continues to bounce back, temporary fences along Marri Drive and Naturaliste Terrace have now been removed, allowing public access to return along the internal limestone fire access tracks. This marks an exciting milestone in the reserve’s recovery and gives visitors the opportunity to once again experience the area’s natural beauty.
To help protect the fragile new growth, the City is currently installing internal reminder fencing. These simple barriers guide visitors to remain on the limestone fire tracks, helping prevent the spread of weeds and phytophthora dieback, while also protecting young plants and newly established seedlings from disturbance.
While much of the reserve is recovering well, vegetation adjacent to Cape Naturaliste Road is taking a little longer to regenerate. In this section there is still significant open ground where seeds have yet to establish and some trees have not yet resprouted. To give this area the best chance to recover, the temporary fence along Cape Naturaliste Road will remain in place for now and will be assessed for a longer-term solution. The fire access track connecting to Cape Naturaliste Road is still open to the public.
Mayor Phill Cronin said: “I would like to acknowledge and sincerely thank the Marri Reserve Recovery Team (made up of multiple agencies) and Friends of Marri Reserve for their collaborative efforts in guiding the recovery of the reserve and addressing key challenges during its most fragile period. Their time and expertise have been vital in protecting the reserve and supporting its long-term health.”
“As nature steadily reclaims the landscape, the reserve’s recovery highlights the resilience of our local ecosystems and the strong connection between the community and the reserve.”
Marri Reserve remains an important conservation area, home to numerous rare flora species, threatened ecological communities and rare native fauna, including the critically endangered Black Cockatoo and Western Ringtail Possum. Visitors are encouraged to enjoy the reserve while helping protect its recovery by staying on the designated fire access tracks.
If you would like to be involved in recovery and join the Friends of Marri Reserve, please contact City Environment Officers on 9781 0444.
Objectives outlined in this statement are aligned with the City of Busselton’s Council Plan (2024 - 2034) Key Theme Environment – An environment that is valued, conserved and able to be enjoyed by current and future generations.
Ends. Media enquiries can be directed to pr@busselton.wa.gov.au
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