Protecting Canberra’s nature
The 2019 United Nations report on biodiversity identified that up to one million species globally face extinction in coming decades. Australia is not immune, with 1,600 species that are currently threatened.
The ACT is home to two critically-endangered ecological communities with 52 threatened species. Natural Temperate Grasslands and Yellow Box-Blakely’s Red Gum Grassy Woodlands are especially important given their national significance, as well as their intrinsic value and amenity they bring to our city.
Threatened by urban development, invasive species and climate change, these areas of conservation value in the ACT should now be protected.
Latest news
Submission to ICRC on proposed new water tariff structure
The recent report from the Independent Competition and Regulatory Commission (ICRC) on a new structure for water charges would have a significant negative impact on the ACT if it was implemented. The current structure has a low basic supply charge, and then two levels of quantity charge. The lower charges apply to the basic quantity […]
A letter to the ACT Greens on cat containment
This letter was sent to all ACT Greens candidates 6 October 2016. A response was provided by the ACT Greens 14 October and is included in full below the letter. ACT Greens policy: “Enforcing cat containment” Thank you for sending your Protecting our environment election policy and for being the first of the current sitting parties […]
Riverview: Mechanisms and principles to protect environment and heritage values
The Riverview urban development proposal is a complex large project straddling the boundary of the ACT and NSW. The Conservation Council has been involved in various informal and formal processes over some years. We have always considered it important that any urban development here be carefully considered due to the proximity of significant woodlands, the […]
Issues with NSW Biodiversity Conservation Bill 2016
Through discussions with member groups we have identified issues for submissions on consultation on the Biodiversity Conservation Bill 2016 and Local Land Services Amendment Bill 2016. 1. Contradiction /inconsistency between Objectives of Biodiversity Conservation Bill 2016 and Local Land Services Amendment Bill 2016 and also with previous Native Vegetation Act 2003 2. Reliance on base data […]
Biodiversity Conservation – protecting our unique ecological communities and the Bush Capital
Here are our policies on biodiversity conservation in the lead up to the ACT Election to be held 15 October 2016: Context About 99% of natural grassland and 95% of Yellow Box-Red Gum Grassy Woodland have been destroyed nationally, for cropping, urban expansion and infrastructure. Large patches in good condition are rare beyond the ACT. The remaining […]
Temperate Grassland new listing, definition; critically endangered
Natural Temperate Grassland of the South Eastern Highlands, a critically endangered ecological community (EPBC Act) In April 2016 the previously listed Natural Temperate Grassland of the Southern Tablelands of NSW and the ACT was replaced by a new listing and definition. The revised listing has extended its distribution and range, altitude, habitat and threatened status. […]