Out here in the Western District of Victoria there used to be native grassland. Aboriginal people burned it regularly and the vegetation reflects that practice. The mountain range to the north of these grasslands was not burned and the vegetation shows that. Some old stories, from the few Aboriginal people left, bear this out too. The mountains were a sacred spot and not a hunting area. There is no place on Earth quite like them. It's an upthrust from the sea-floor -- sand and granite 100 kms from the sea.
Sadly when the mountains burned 3 years ago all sorts of people became experts about the value of frequent burns -- including many of the younger members of the Aboriginal community. Those special mountains are quiet now where they were once full of birds. The fern gullys are weedy and dry. Many areas are now bare rock.
I fear they will never be given the chance to recover, even if they can survive the drought. Tourists still go there to see the rocks. People say, "See it's coming back!" But it's not. What's allowed to come back is not special and it's not unique.
But yes, you are so wise, Rowan. I too believe it will get better.

Cheers, Joy