Professor Mike Clarke
Emeritus Professor, La Trobe University
See Prof Mike Clarke’s full research profile here
E: m.clarke@latrobe.edu.au
Research outputs linked to policy change and decision-making
Mallee Fire and Biodiversity Project led to changes in planned burning policy, namely the removal of 5% planned burning quotas in 2015 and their replacement with the recommended risk-reduction approach. This has meant better protection for vulnerable ecosystems and endangered species. Our group is continuing to undertake field based research in mallee landscapes.
Review of ecosystem resilience monitoring targets (Bushfire & Natural Hazards CRCEcosystem Resilience Project 40) undertaken by Research Centre for Future Landscapes for the Victorian Department of Environment, Water, Land & Planning (now DEECA), in partnership with the Bushfire & Natural Hazards CRC. We have developed a world-first set of metrics to measure and report on the effect of fire management on environmental values and ecosystem resilience. The metrics are comprehensive, capturing different components of fire regimes and of biodiversity, and provide a direct link between strategic goals and on-ground actions. Specific, measurable and realistic targets have been set for each metric, filling a long-standing gap in the capacity of management to quantify the impact of fire management activities on biodiversity and actively promote ecosystem resilience.
Parks Victoria have used the metrics in developing their Wilson’s Promontory Fire Management Strategy, with the potential for long-term conservation impact. Statewide application of the metrics is currently under review by Department of Environment, Energy and Climate Action (DEECA) for application in fire management and reporting policy across Victoria.
Current academic employment and positions
- 1992 – present: academic at La Trobe University.
Highest qualification
- 1987: PhD in zoology, University of Melbourne.
Major prizes, medals and honours
- 2007: D.L. Serventy Medal – Royal Australasian Ornithologists Union for outstanding contribution to the scientific literature in ornithology. The most prestigious award for professional ornithologists in Australasia that recognises a scientist’s lifetime contribution to the field
- 2014: Finalist for the Eureka Prize for Environmental Research for work on the Mallee Fire and Biodiversity Project
- 2016: Nancy Millis Science in Parks Award, given to by Parks Victoria to the Mallee Fire and Biodiversity Project
- 2016: Finalist for the Eureka Prize for Environmental Research for work on the Mallee Fire and Biodiversity Project
- 2023: Fellow of Birdlife Australia for distinguished service to ornithology
Roles on government or regional organisation committees
- Member, Board of Directors of Parks Victoria (Feb 2020 – Oct 2023)
- Expert witness for Counsel Assisting the 2009 Victorian Bushfire Royal Commission on the topic of Prescribed Burning.
- Provided expert advice sought by:
- successive Victorian Commissioners for Sustainability in the preparation of the 2013 and 2018 Victorian State of the Environment Reports
- Bushfires Royal Commission Implementation Monitor Report, Neil Comrie AO, APM, 2014
- Victorian Auditor-General’s Office review of Reducing Bushfire Risks 2019
- Invited member of the scientific reference panel for the preparation of the Victorian Biodiversity Strategy – Biodiversity 2037
- Invited member of Expert Reference Group for DELWP review of the Victorian Bushfire Management Program: 2015 Review of fuel management performance targets by the Inspector-General Emergency Management
- Convenor (and vertebrate expert) of FFG Act Scientific Advisory Committee to the Minister for the Environment, (member from 2001, Convenor from Oct 2002 – Oct 2007)
- Member, Parks Victoria Scientific and Management Effectiveness Advisory Committee (2014 – current)
- Member, Wilsons Promontory Fire Management Working Group for Parks Victoria (2012 – current)
- Member of Threatened Species Recovery Teams (1992 – 2011)
- Black-eared Miner Recovery Team
- Regent Honeyeater Recovery Team
- Helmeted Honeyeater Recovery Team
My Projects
Current project
Completed project
NESP RLH, 2021-2027NESP, 2015-2021NERP, 2012-2015TRaCK, 2005-present
