Nature and Waterways
As the ‘bush capital’ Canberra is fortunate to host some of the most amazing wildlife and landscapes in Australia. But the triple planetary crisis of biodiversity loss, climate change, and pollution means that we have more to lose than ever before.
Over 100 Australian species are now listed as either extinct or extinct in the wild. Across the country, there are more non-native plants than native ones. Rivers, the lifeblood of inland landscapes like Canberra are drying up, and land is being cleared at alarming rates.
The ACT is not immune to this. Approximately 6.2% of Canberra’s mature trees have been removed in the past 5 years; our beloved faunal emblem, the Gang-gang Cockatoo is endangered; and our natural areas are at increasing risk of pest plants and animals.
Join us in working to protect our region’s amazing nature
Keen to get involved? Join the Biodiversity Working Group
Biodiversity Working Group is chaired by Hugh Coppell and meets on the fourth Tuesday of the month at 5.30pm. Biodiversity Working Group is open to anyone interested in biodiversity including member groups, staff and board members. To become involved please contact Elle.
Latest News
Australia’s next extinction? Last stand for the Canberra Grassland Earless Dragon
A proposed road at the Canberra Airport is threatening the future for the Canberra Grassland Earless Dragon. Despite its tiny stature - measuring less than 150 millimetres long and weighing 5–9 grams - this lizard is causing a stir as conservationists take a stand to...
Welcoming the phase out of Wood Heaters in the ACT for nature, climate and health
The ACT Government has released its response to the Commissioner for Sustainability and the Environment's investigation into wood heater policy. The Government has now endorsed a plan to phase-out wood heaters in the ACT by 2045. The Conservation Council ACT Region...
Protect Bluetts Block as a Nature Reserve
Sleeper Weeds – Take Action Via Canberra Nature Map
Some of the species that are currently favoured as garden and landscape plants are establishing a toehold in Canberra's natural areas. A major issue is that some of these "sleeper" or emerging weed species are still being recommended to be planted by information...
Invest further in Climate and Nature to improve wellbeing – 2023/24 ACT Budget Wrap
2023/24 ACT Budget Wrap Earlier this year, the Conservation Council made a Budget submission to the ACT Government that focussed on 6 key priorities: Champion environment and climate organisations Invest in electrification for a safe climate Invest in safe,...
Callum Brae Nature Reserve threatened by crematorium complex – have your voice heard
UPDATE - June 2023 Submissions on the Development Application have now closed. A big congratulations to everyone who made a submission. In just one week from 23-30 May 2023 the community e-petition got 252 signatures. The issue gathered much media interest. Read this...