The ACT has another nature reserve with the Franklin Grasslands being added to the Parks and Conservation Service’s Canberra Nature Park.
Announced by the Minister for the Environment and Heritage, Mick Gentleman, the new reserve joins 37 other nature reserves that make up Canberra Nature Park.
“The site has been identified as a suitable offset for the critically endangered golden sun moth and the ecological important natural temperate grassland,” Mr Gentleman said.
“Franklin Grasslands is also a valuable ecosystem that is home to Ginninderra peppercress, a Yellow Box – Red Gum Grassy woodland, the pergunga grasshopper and habitats for the superb parrot and striped legless lizard,” he said.
Mr Gentleman said the ACT Parks and Conservation Service would manage the site which would include increased weed and pest control and a review of grazing and land management.
MLA for Yerrabi, Suzanne Orr said acceptance of the reserve followed an extensive consultation with the Franklin community last year and the proposal was well received.
“This is a big win for the community,” Ms Orr said.
“Our temperate grasslands are magical places with lots of unique plants and animals, we are very lucky to have them and with so little remaining in Eastern Australia it is critical we continue to look after them,” she said.
