The management of Budjan Galindji Nature Reserve, previously known as Franklin Grasslands, has a clear direction with the finalised landscape plan for the site released today.
Minister for Planning and Land Management Mick Gentleman said the landscape plan for Budjan Galindji was an important step in managing the reserve and protecting its unique conservation values.
"The landscape plan for Budjan Galindji is an important step in managing this reserve and protecting its unique conservation values," Minister Gentleman said.
"I am pleased that we have been able to incorporate the culture of our Ngunnawal people into the site, not just through the protection and conservation of values, but also in the renaming of the reserve to 'Budjan Galindji'," he said.
"Budjan Galindji comes from Ngunnawal language and translates to 'water bird', recognising the iconic Latham's Snipe which migrates here from the Northern Hemisphere each year.
"We may see minor changes onsite over the years to protect the ecological and cultural values of the site and the endangered species that exist there.
"We have taken onboard feedback from the community, making changes to the final landscape plan to enhance infrastructure by clearing paths and entry points while continuing to protect the site's values.
"The local community have been wonderful supporters of the plan. The improved maintenance and infrastructure will allow better access for the community to experience the unique bird, plant and other species that inhabit this area."
Budjan Galindji is an identified offset site to protect natural temperate grasslands and associated plants and animals.
Member for Yerrabi Suzanne Orr said she was looking forward to the Nature Reserve being finalised and understood it would be well received by the community.
"Grasslands are fast becoming a valued area within the Franklin and Harrison communities and with temperate grassland lovers. It is wonderful to see the landscape plan finalised, and I look forward to the plan being implemented so that more and more people can access the site and learn about its precious ecological treasures," Ms Orr said.
