The role of fire in coastal headland vegetation of the New South Wales (NSW) Mid North Coast (MNC)

Fire has long played a crucial role in shaping the grasslands and heathlands on coastal headlands of New South Wales. These fire-adapted ecosystems rely on periodic burning to maintain their structure and biodiversity. However, shifts in fire regimes, particularly fire exclusion, may have led to significant ecological changes. In this poster, I examine how shifts in fire regimes could contribute to woody shrub encroachment, which alters community composition and potentially drives biodiversity loss. The consequences of fire suppression on species diversity and ecosystem resilience are explored through a review of the literature and preliminary spatial data. These findings highlight the need for adaptive fire management strategies to prevent the homogenisation of these dynamic landscapes and support conservation efforts. Understanding the ecological role of fire in these coastal systems is critical for maintaining their biodiversity and function in the face of changing environmental pressures.