The Budjan Galindji Grasslands Nature Reserve in Franklin is now officially open for the community to enjoy following the completion of upgrade and restoration works.
Minister for City and Government Services Tara Cheyne said the reserve was an important environmental asset for Canberrans to visit and appreciate the ACT's native grassland plants and animals.
"This Budjan Galindji Grasslands Nature Reserve now has a range of scenic walking tracks closely connected to public transport, so anyone can visit and enjoy Canberra's unique biodiversity. Visitors will also be able to learn more about the reserve's natural and cultural heritage through signs posted along the track," Minister Cheyne said.
"These visitor infrastructure upgrades and site remediation works were based on feedback from the community about what they wanted to see in the reserve. There are some new formal entry points to the reserve connected by walking trails and 'discovery points' where people can learn about the reserve's resident threatened species, such as the Golden Sun Moth, the Superb Parrot, and the Striped Legless Lizard.
"A new crossing has also been built over the wetland to provide safe access and an elevated scenic view of the surrounding area. From this improved viewing platform, you may be able to spot the migratory Latham Snipe, the bird that inspired the reserve's name. In Ngunnawal language, 'Budjan Galindji' translates to 'water bird' in English."
Minister for Climate Change, Environment, Energy and Water Suzanne Orr said the reserve is an important conservation asset and asked the local community and visitors to respect the resident species.
"This nature reserve plays a crucial role in protecting native and threatened species, as well as their habitats like the critically endangered Natural Temperate Grassland and Box Gum Woodland," Minister Orr said.
"With a variety of threatened species calling this reserve home, I trust the local community to support making sure we're doing everything we can to keep them safe from unnecessary harm.
"While I encourage everyone to visit the reserve and experience Canberra's wonderful outdoors, please take care not to disturb any of the native wildlife and stick to the walking trails to help protect their habitats."
