Canberrans love our natural environment. We want to protect our bush capital and make sure everyone can enjoy a healthy and thriving environment. We value the forests that dominate the mountains in the southern ACT. In the north, we value the grassy woodlands on the hills and the broad grassy valleys with their creeks that flow in between (Pic 1[1]).
In the northern ACT, environmental condition is deteriorating and it’s more than urban sprawl replacing grassy ecosystems. Mowing regimes are spreading weeds like African Lovegrass that are taking over urban parklands and increasing the risk of fire in our suburbs. The problems are compounding, creating a crisis for animals like the Canberra Grassland Earless Dragon that once lived all along what we now call Sullivans Creek and Northbourne Avenue.
Now is our chance to fix this. In early 2026, the ACT Government will call for comment on a draft of its next Nature Conservation Strategy. Once made, this Strategy will be in effect from 2026 to 2036. The next Strategy must include measures that will ensure our grassy ecosystems are retained, high value areas are protected and that which is in need of help restored. It is from the northern ACT that the threats to native species, like urban sprawl itself, are spreading out of control.
The next Strategy must present vision for treasuring, and for ensuring future generations will be able to live with, nature. When the time comes, we will encourage you to check the draft of the next Strategy will place a limit on development and stop the introduction and spread of threats like weeds. Keep your eyes open as we’ll be developing more information soon!
[1] https://www.dcceew.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/natural-temperate-grassland-se-highlands-guide.pdf, p. 6