A progress report on a 10-year plan to protect the ACT’s natural environment, released by the Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate, has found it has achieved 51 milestones and priorities with a further 51 ongoing.
Prepared by the Conservator of Flora and Fauna, the Nature Conservation Strategy 2013–23 helps guide future planning of the Territory’s open spaces, rural areas, urban areas, riverine corridors and nature reserves.
The Directorate said the strategy also improved opportunities for ACT residents to enjoy parks, reserves and open space, as places for recreation, amenity, self-renewal and education.
“It is designed to support the ACT’s diverse volunteer base which puts in tens of thousands of hours of unpaid work every year to help manage the ACT’s natural areas,” the Directorate said.
“Progress reports on the implementation of the strategy show that work undertaken so far has made a significant impact on the Territory’s landscapes through restoration and rehabilitation on the ground.”
The Directorate highlighted some of its key achievements, such as completing the Woodlands Restoration Program which restored and connected 60,000 hectares of the largest remaining box-gum grassy woodland in Australia.
It said other highlights included improving management of grasslands for threatened flora and fauna; new plans for managing and protecting native species; successfully translocating and reintroducing many species to the Territory; and continuing strong community engagement.
It said the next areas of focus would include working with rural landholders on promoting native vegetation and biodiversity, as well as supporting Traditional Custodians to apply land management methods on Country.
The Directorate said it would also work towards strengthening partnerships for conservation, including cross-border collaboration as well as working to improve the ACT’s ability to monitor the effectiveness of environmental programs.
The Directorate’s 19-page progress report for 2019 can be accessed at this PS News link.
