The Environmental Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate (EPSDD) is inviting Canberrans to nominate areas across the city for targeted habitat restoration to improve biodiversity, the conservation of threatened species, and better connect people with nature.
Opening nominations, the Minister for the Environment, Rebecca Vassarotti said the habitat restoration was part of the Directorate’s Connecting Nature Connecting People initiative.
She said the initiative extended conservation efforts beyond established parks and reserves which were critical to improving the resilience of ecosystems and native species in a changing climate and a growing city.
“Restoring and enhancing the ACT’s open space areas will benefit biodiversity and help connect habitats that are essential to wildlife and the survival of Canberra’s threatened species,” Ms Vassarotti said.
“The ACT is in a race against time to protect various local plant and animal species that continue on their path towards extinction,” she said.
“Government, business, and the community must work even harder together to stop and reverse this decline.
“This project is just one example of where collaborative efforts will benefit the environment and the community.”
Ms Vassarotti said EPSDD had also launched an on-line resource, the ACT Ecological Network Dashboard, to help community groups identify areas likely to provide maximum outcomes for the environment.
She said the Directorate was seeking nominations for up to 18 areas beyond the trial areas that were already underway in Hughes and Belconnen
“Nominations will be assessed and prioritised on their potential to improve fragmented wildlife habitat, the unique and diverse native environment that will be enhanced and community support for the area,” the Minister said.
Further information on EPSDD’s Connecting Nature Connecting People initiative can be accessed at this PS News link.
