A new nature reserve has been established and opened by the Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate for visitors to explore in the Molonglo River Reserve
In a statement, the Directorate said the new reserve, Namarag, provided sweeping views over the Molonglo River corridor and broader Molonglo Valley.
It said that while some of Namarag’s bushland was being restored to help conserve native plants and animals, the new reserve still had plenty to offer, including walking tracks, river access, fishing, picnics and nature play.
Announcing the opening, Minister for Land Management, Mick Gentleman said the new nature space was located near the new suburbs Whitlam and Denman Prospect.
“The Molonglo Valley is growing quickly and it’s critical that we set aside places like Namarag to protect and preserve the natural heritage, ecosystems and beauty of the area,” Mr Gentleman said.
“This beautiful space has new recreation areas and event terraces for visitors to use, as well as conservation habitats to protect our threatened plants and animals,” he said
“The design of Namarag has been guided by the Ngunnawal community to ensure this space celebrates Ngunnawal culture and provides an opportunity to share the Ngunnawal story through cultural tourism and education programs.”
Mr Gentleman said Namarag meant wattle in Ngunnawal language and the new reserve celebrated Canberra’s unique Ngunnawal heritage with storytelling through art that was woven into the landscape.
“You can follow the story of the bogong moth told on a huge scale through interpretive signage or check out the exciting new nature playground with interactive play items like the one-of-a-kind wedge-tailed eagle nest,” he said.
The Minister encouraged all Molonglo residents and visitors to explore the many features Namarag had to offer.
“To help protect newly restored habitat areas and native threatened species, follow signage onsite and only walk dogs on-leash along designated walking tracks,” Mr Gentleman said.
Further information on the new nature space can be accessed on the Directorate’s website at this PS News link.
