The ACT Government is continuing to lead the way with protecting and conserving our natural environment, according to a new report card.
Our parks and reserves are among Canberra's greatest assets and contribute to our high quality of life.
The Government's Nature Conservation Strategy is a 10-year plan to help ensure ACT's natural environment is protected and provides community benefits. A review of the first five-years of implementation has shown we are well on track to delivering its conservation goals.
Our expert and dedicated staff have completed the Woodlands Restoration Program, restoring 60,000 hectares of the largest remaining box-gum grassy woodland in Australia.
The team has released new plans for managing and protecting native species such as Scarlet Robin and Murray Cod and is updating a further 16 action plans.
They have also successfully translocated and reintroducing many species to the ACT including the Eastern Bettong, Eastern Quoll, Brown Treecreeper and New Holland Mouse
We have supported research and on-ground trials to improve management of ACT's grasslands for threatened flora and fauna.
This is all supported by our continuing strong community engagement through Parkcare and citizen science groups.
The next implementation phase (2019-2023) sets out a range of new focus areas including:
- working with rural landholders on promoting native vegetation and biodiversity
- supporting Traditional Custodians to apply land management methods on Country
- strengthening conservation partnerships, including cross-border collaboration
- better monitoring the effectiveness of environmental programs.
Other priorities will continue like building our environment's ability to adapt to climate change, managing pest animals and weeds, protecting threatened species, supporting citizen science and expanding opportunities for people to enjoy nature.
The report card for and implementation plan are available at: www.environment.act.gov.au/cpr/conservation-strategies/nature_conservation_strategy
