Wilsons Promontory National Park – The Prom Sanctuary
The Prom Sanctuary is a groundbreaking project to address climate change and create a safe haven for species to adapt, thrive, and recover in the spectacular Wilson’s Promontory National Park.
Set to be Victoria’s largest climate refuge, the Prom Sanctuary will protect over 150 threatened species across the ten Australian native ecosystems types present at the Prom, and will provide a cool-climate refuge for endangered species from elsewhere in Australia.
At the southern tip of mainland Australia, Wilsons Promontory National Park – also known as also known as Yiruk Wamoon or simply “the Prom” – spans over 50,000 hectares of protected mountains, rivers, coasts, and diverse ecosystems. Surrounded by marine parks and connected to the mainland by the narrow peninsula – the Yanakie Isthmus – Wilsons Prom is a popular place to visit, swim, camp or bush walk.
Protected and managed as a national park for over 100 years, the Prom boasts 10 major Australian ecosystem types, which are under increasing pressure from the impact of climate change. It is also home to 20 per cent of Victoria’s native plant species and 50 per cent of its bird species, including the Ground Parrot.
Wilson’s Prom is Under Threat
Rising temperatures across Australia are pushing both native species and invasive pests further south, putting immense pressure on the Prom environment. Foxes, feral cats, deer and introduced weeds are disrupting the delicate balance, while the risk of devastating wildfires grows ever more real. Urgent action is needed to protect this natural treasure and its diverse wildlife.
Climate Change and the Prom Sanctuary Solution
Climate change is global, urgent and affecting the whole of Australia. The effects of climate change are southward marching, for both native species and pests alike.
In Victoria, native species are already under massive threat due to decimating effects of Black Saturday.
The Prom is uniquely positioned as a Sanctuary – but needs help to be returned to a state of health, both for existing endemic threatened species and as a haven for threatened species struggling and under increasing pressure elsewhere.
A Vision for Conservation
The Prom Sanctuary is being developed as a pioneering, landscape-scale conservation initiative responding directly to the challenges of climate change and will create a safe haven where species can adapt, thrive, and recover. It is set to become Victoria’s largest climate refuge, a world-class conservation sanctuary that will protect and restore habitats for over 150 threatened species and build resilience against climate threats.
Creating the Prom Sanctuary as a world-class refuge for biodiversity is the action we can take today to help Australia’s unique nature survive, adapt and thrive in the face of escalating climate change.
The Prom Sanctuary will model best-practice invasive species control, protection of native plants and animals, habitat restoration, species reintroductions, fire management, research, plus monitoring and evaluation functions.
Working in partnership with Traditional Owners, shared actions will be built under the principles of ‘Two-eyed Seeing’ or ‘Two Ways of Knowing’ merging Indigenous knowledge and Western science for holistic land management.
The size, location and the rich diversity of habitats at The Prom make it an ideal climate refuge. At 50,000 hectares and with 10 major ecosystem types, it is big enough to make a real difference in terms of conserving nature and fighting extinction. And its position adjoining the cool waters of Bass Strait buffers it from the climate extremes of mainland Australia. As the sanctuary grows, visitors will experience the Prom’s natural beauty and witness the return of rare wildlife, enhancing their connection with nature.
Partnerships and Traditional Custodianship
Bringing the Prom Sanctuary to life is a collaborative initiative led by Parks Victoria with support from People and Parks Foundation, Traditional Owners from the Gunaikurnai, Bunurong and Boonwurrung peoples, and leading conservation agencies:
- Zoos Victoria
- Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria
- La Trobe University, University of Melbourne, Monash University, Deakin University and Federation University
- Museums Victoria
- BirdLife Australia
- Phillip Island Nature Parks
- NSW Parks and Wildlife
- Ecology Australia
- Australian Native Orchid Society
The People and Parks Foundation has proven track record working in partnership with Parks Victoria to enable transformative environmental projects, raising millions of dollars for our environment over the past 20 years. Most recently, this includes successful partnership projects such as Ponnon Pulgi (Resting Places) in north west Victoria, and the World Urban Parks award-winning Chelsea Australian Garden at Olinda.
A Prom Sanctuary Technical Advisory Group has also been operational for three years and will bring together experts across terrestrial, wetland, and marine ecosystems. Alongside this, the dedicated Friends of the Prom volunteer group will play a vital role in supporting the Sanctuary’s ongoing success.
Turning the Tide at the Prom
The Prom Sanctuary is costed, planned, feasible and now underway, but requires all of us to get behind it to make it the extraordinary success we know is possible. The Prom Sanctuary vision cannot be realised by government alone. We all have a role to play.
People and Parks Foundation and Parks Victoria launching a major, multiyear capital campaign in 2025, with a Chair and Campaign Committee appointed, high-profile patrons and ambassadors secured, and a national coalition to be established.
Our immediate goal is to raise $455,000 to unlock a Victorian Government NatureFund challenge grant of $395,000. Not only does this deliver major conservation gains right now, it also sets us up for the big picture fundraising vision – the Prom Sanctuary Capital Campaign to raise $25 million by 2030.
We are kicking off with time-limited fundraising sprint until 20 December this year. It is the sprint before the fundraising marathon begins that will see the Prom Sanctuary vision realised by 2030.
Help secure the future of Wilsons Prom Sanctuary by donating today.
Each contribution directly supports habitat restoration, species reintroduction, and critical pest control efforts, building a legacy for future generations. The fundraising doesn’t stop until every single dollar is raised and the full Prom Sanctuary vision is realised.
To find out more about how you can donate today to realise the Prom Sanctuary vision, click ==>>