The Environmental, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate (EPSDD) is calling for feedback on the management of Namadgi National Park following a review of the current park management plan by the ACT Parks and Conservation Service (ACT PCS).
Releasing ACT PCS’s Review of the Namadgi National Park Plan of Management 2010, EPSDD said the review examined the implementation of the Namadgi National Park Plan of Management 2010 and how activities had contributed to meeting the plan’s objectives.
EPSDD said the consultation, open until 14 May, provided an opportunity for Canberrans to identify issues that should be considered in the development of a new management plan.
In its Review, ACT PCS said the 2010 plan provided a useful decision-making framework that clearly identified Namadgi’s key values, and objectives, policies and actions for their protection.
“Much of the information in the 2010 plan, and many of the identified management objectives, remain relevant to future management of the park,” ACT PCS said.
“However, there have been significant updates to legislation and policy since 2010 and new knowledge is available to inform future management.”
It said a new plan was required to ensure priority actions were well-informed and aligned with broader objectives for the protection of the Territory’s natural and cultural heritage.
ACT PCS said there was an ongoing need for post-fire restoration activities and research to shape future priorities for management of the park.
“Importantly, this includes protecting long unburnt areas and sensitive ecological communities and species,” the Service said.
It recommended the new plan be informed by up-to-date information; integrated with new and updated strategies and frameworks; require an implementation plan; clearly articulate priority management objectives that take into consideration the impacts of the 2020 bushfires; and provide opportunities for Traditional Custodians to participate in setting directions for the park.
ACT PCS also recommended the new plan outline how visitor numbers and impacts would be better assessed; how visitor access restrictions would be enforced; consider the need for a communication and interpretation strategy for the park; highlight the ongoing need for research to inform park; and include enhanced spatial information of values and threats within the park.
ACT PCS’s 37-page Review can be accessed at this PS News link.
