A progress report on the strategy for conserving woodlands in the Territory and surrounding region has been released by the Minister for the Environment and Heritage, Mick Gentleman.
Mr Gentleman said the report showed significant strides in the protection, restoration and management of the region’s woodlands.
He said there were more than 2,500 hectares of protected land on which more than 250,000 trees and seedlings had been planted to benefit native wildlife, the environment and the wider country.
“We have a responsibility to preserve and manage local woodlands, which are some of the biggest, best connected and most botanically diverse in Australia,” Mr Gentleman said.
“Our woodlands provide shelter for animals, store carbon, protect water quality and provide recreation opportunities for the community.”
He said they housed 20 nationally threatened plants, birds and reptiles and seven regionally threatened birds, as well as endangered Yellow Box and Red Gum.
“We’ve protected ACT’s woodlands since 2004 to help guard them from the threat of climate change, pests and diseases, inappropriate fire regimes, grazing and urban development,” Mr Gentleman said.
“The Mulligans Flat Woodland Sanctuary was established in 2006. Popular with Canberrans and visitors, the natural, predator-free restoration and conservation area has become home to Eastern Quolls and other native species.”
He said funding would continue for research on the impacts of climate change on woodland restoration and into three threatened woodland plants and nine threatened birds, including the Superb Parrot.
“The strategy will guide the protection, restoration and management of our woodlands for the next 10 years,” Mr Gentleman said.
The 51-page progress report can be accessed at this PS News link.
