The Conservation Council hosted our second Election Forum on Nature, Biodiversity and Waterways on Tuesday 22nd September at 5.30 pm.

The ACT is home to two critically-endangered ecological communities, which include 52 threatened species. The protection of remaining Natural Temperate Grasslands and Yellow Box-Blakely’s Red Gum Grassy Woodlands is especially important given their national significance, as well as their intrinsic value and the amenity they bring to our city. Given the pressure on biodiversity across the ACT, all areas of moderate to high conservation value should now be appropriately protected and managed for effective conservation outcomes.

The ACT’s waterways, as well as the riparian vegetation they facilitate, provide crucial support to local wildlife by providing food, refuge and habitat. They also provide space for residents to socialise and recreate, and enhance health and wellbeing. However, water and riparian assets both regionally and nationally face significant challenges as a result of altered flow regimes, loss of riparian vegetation, pollution and invasive species. Better management of water through our urban landscape, in particular slowing and utilising stormwater, and investment in the management of riparian zones, will improve water quality in our waterways and the catchment.

Featuring:

Elizabeth Lee (Canberra Liberals, Shadow Environment Minister),

Mick Gentleman (ALP, Minister for Environment and Heritage) and

Jo Clay, (Greens, Spokesperson for Environment).

If you missed it, you can re-watch the recording of the event below.