The Future Proofing the Cabbage Tree Palm project is reconnecting remnant vegetation across the region.
600,000 Cabbage Tree Palms were cut down and removed from the Illawarra in the 1800s.
This is the estimate of historian Sue Brian, based on shipping consignments reported in local newspapers of the time.
We learned a great deal about the Cabbage Tree Palm at our Future Proofing the Cabbage Tree Palm Project event in Jamberoo last night. Hosted by Alison Windsor and Ailee Calderbank, our Talking Landcare event aimed to engage local residents in the importance of these iconic palms and discuss options for their conservation and restoration.
Alison opened the evening with an overview of the project, including the plantings undertaken in 2025, what we have learned so far, and how we can improve future work.
Ecologist Nicholas Carlile gave a fascinating overview of his research across Australia, drawing on decades of data on growth rates, flowering intervals, fruit production and germination. He also highlighted the essential role these palms play in the ecosystem, providing food for birds such as the topknot pigeon. (Research papers listed below.)
Botanist Kevin Mills shared a detailed, and sometimes sad, history of the Cabbage Tree Palm in the Illawarra, including historic maps and photographs that show the extent of their removal in the 19th century.
Sue Brian’s presentation on the use of palm fronds, the hands, to make the once-fashionable colonial cabbage tree hat was equally fascinating. We look forward to seeing the final results of her PhD research.
Our speakers were then joined by local plant expert Carl Glaister for a lively Q&A covering everything from how to grow Cabbage Tree Palms, to collecting seed, where they thrive, and how people can get involved in the project.
Thank you to our audience for the many thoughtful questions, to our speakers for their excellent presentations, and to the Landcare committee members who helped organise the event.
Would you like to get involved?
Landholders can participate in the project, and there will also be opportunities to support community plantings throughout 2026.
Contact our coordinator: coordinator@landcareillawarra.org.au
Or register your interest:
Landholder expression of interest
Research by Nicholas Carlile on Livistona australis
- Carlile, N, and Priddel, D. (2009). Mortality of adult Livistona australis on Cabbage Tree Island, Australia. Palms 53, (1) 46-50
- Carlile, N, and Priddel, D. (2012). Ecological interactions between a common palm Livistona australis and a rare seabird on Cabbage Tree Island, Australia. Australian Zoologist 36 (1) 120-124
- Carlile, N., et al. (2012). Determining the factors affecting seed germination in Livistona australis (Arecaceae) for the recovery of fragmented populations. Australian Journal of Botany. 60 (7) 575-581
Previous posts on the project
Thank you to our supporters
This project would not have been possible without generous contributions from:
• BlueScope WIN Community Partners Program– Fencing support
• Endeavour Energy Nature Positive Program– Partnership
• Private donors – Ongoing support
