A new nature reserve is to be established in the Gungahlin suburb of Franklin with the Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate calling for community comment on the plan.
Announced by the Minister for the Environment and Heritage, Mick Gentleman the Franklin Grasslands are to be protected as a reserve for native threatened species as an offset for the upgrade of the Yarralumla Brickworks Precinct
“The local community is invited to comment on the proposed changes outlined in Territory Plan Draft Variation 366, to establish a nature reserve over block 5, section 47 Franklin,” Mr Gentleman said.
“The Yarralumla project requires a protected site to counterbalance impacts on the Golden Sun Moth and Natural Temperate Grassland ecological community,” he said.
“Franklin Grassland is an ideal site because it supports both the Natural Temperate Grassland and Golden Sun Moth, along with a small patch of Yellow Box and Red Gum Grassy Woodland. “
He said the grasslands were also home to the threatened Striped Legless Lizard, Perunga Grasshopper and Ginninderra Peppercress and provided a foraging habitat for the Superb Parrot.
Mr Gentleman said the Government would manage conservation values on the site with the assistance of the Friends of Grasslands community group.
Consultation on the Draft Variation to the Territory Plan is to be open until 20 December with more information available from the Directorate’s website at this PS News link.
