A new plan to enhance and protect Canberra Nature Park reserves has been released by the Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate.
Announcing the release, Minister for Planning and Land Management, Mick Gentleman said the Directorate’s new 10-year Canberra Nature Park Reserve Management Plan was important because of the integral role nature reserves played in the city’s environment and in people’s outdoor lifestyle.
“We have worked closely with the Canberra community to develop a Management Plan that protects our iconic nature spaces, while providing the community with plenty of recreational opportunities close to home,” Mr Gentleman said.
“The Plan includes nine new nature reserves and environmental offset areas to provide further protection for our critically endangered box gum woodland and native grassland ecosystems, and the threatened plants and animals that rely on them,” he said.
“We engaged with Ngunnawal Traditional Custodians to develop the Plan so that natural and cultural heritage is conserved for future generations.”
Mr Gentleman said Traditional Custodians would also be involved in the ongoing management of Canberra Nature Park.
The Minister said under the Plan, recreational facilities and visitor programs would be enhanced to encourage the community to take part in nature-based experiences.
“New codes of practices for dog walking, horse riding and bike riding are included in the Plan to ensure these activities are kept to designated tracks and trails, minimising the impacts on the native flora and fauna,” he said.
The Directorate’s 270-page Plan can be accessed at this PS News link.
