By Sonia Isaacs
MORE than 100 conservationists, scientists, landholders, Indigenous rangers, and government representatives gathered at the Maleny Community Centre on March 14 for the Beyond Bunya Dieback Symposium, tackling the devastating impact of Phytophthora cinnamomi.
Held on Jinibara Country, the full-day event brought together experts from across Australia and beyond, all committed to addressing dieback threats and tackling the threats posed by dieback and pathogens like Phytophthora.
Program co-coordinator and rainforest ecologist Spencer Shaw said dieback was a growing global crisis.
“We can’t ignore the devastation caused by pathogens like Phytophthora,” he said.
“Solutions demand cross-sector collaboration, and this symposium was a step towards real change.”
Fellow coordinator Karen Shaw said the program covered national and international biosecurity strategies, Indigenous land management, and ecosystem restoration using native fungi.
“Attendees engaged in discussions, sharing insights and potential action pathways,” she said.
The event reinforced the urgency of collective action to protect Bunya trees and other threatened species.
“Many left inspired to drive real change. A huge thank you to all who contributed to this important event,” Ms Shaw said.
The symposium also featured the Beyond Bunya Art Exhibition, showcasing works from over 20 Australian and international artists, including First Nations creatives.
Running until March 19 at Little Red Cottage, above Forest Heart ecoNursery, the exhibition offers a poignant visual response to the ecological crisis.