Gippsland Water working to secure the future of the Wellington Mint-bush

Gippsland Water’s involvement in a two-year genetic study of the Wellington Mint-bush is providing valuable insights into the threatened species. 

The Wellington Mint-bush is unique to Gunaikurnai Country in Gippsland with populations at Dutson Downs, on land managed by Gippsland Water, as well as Holey Plains State Park. 

Managing director Sarah Cumming said the genetic study would help Gippsland Water identify new methods to protect the plant for future generations. 

“Researchers are currently analysing DNA results taken from more than 270 individual plants to better understand the diversity of our existing wild populations,” Ms Cumming said. 

“This will be used to compare the rates of breeding between populations and allow us to understand some of the limitations to effective natural breeding. 

“The project has also collected seed from 229 plants which is being x-rayed to understand the viability of seed being produced by wild plants.” 

Senior environment and sustainability lead Shannon Dwyer said this important data would be used to guide conservation efforts. 

“Some of the strategies we are looking at include growing plants from seed to strengthen existing populations and introducing some of those plants into new populations,” Mr Dwyer said. 

“This would allow us to increase genetic diversity among our existing populations and create more resilient and healthier plants. 

"Other conservation methods include seed banking in the Victorian Conservation Seedbank at Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria to ensure future generations can regrow the plant if our local populations were ever lost.” 

The two-year research project is being undertaken through the University of New England and has been funded and supported by Gippsland Water, The Australian Flora Foundation, Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action’s (DEECA’s) Nature Fund, Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, Hancock Victoria Plantations, Gunaikurnai Land and Aboriginal Waters Corporation and Parks Victoria.  

To learn more about the Wellington Mint-bush visit https://www.gippswater.com.au/wellington-mint-bush