Work has begun on the new Mulligans Flat Learning Centre in Throsby, which aims to provide a national gateway to the ACT’s woodlands.
Announcing the start of construction, Minister for the Environment and Heritage, Mick Gentleman said the Centre would showcase the innovative conservation and restoration work at the site and provide a hub for eco-tourism, research, community engagement and education.
“It will tell stories about our iconic and endangered Australian landscapes and native species such as bettongs and quolls, as well as threatened Box-Gum Grassy Woodlands,” Mr Gentleman said.
“We are working to preserve our Box-Gum Grassy Woodlands and to better understand and restore this landscape. The ACT retains some of the largest of these woodland communities in Australia within the Mulligans Flat and Goorooyarroo Reserves.”
He said the building would be a focal point for land managers and scientists across multiple organisations to work together to learn about and restore local woodlands and inspire similar projects throughout Australia.
“The project is expected to deliver 36 jobs during the construction period with expected flow-on employment benefits of another 120 jobs,” Mr Gentleman said.
“Following construction, an additional 12 positions will also be created to manage the Centre’s ongoing operations and visitor experiences.”
He said the Centre would provide educational and artistic exhibitions and events; self-guided tours; guided programs; programs for school groups and opportunities to meet friends and socialise at a café and multi-use community spaces.
“There will also be support for community groups involved in conservation and restoration work,” the Minister said.
The Centre is expected to open by the end of 2020.
