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
Canberra’s Western Edge: the new urban development frontier
Bordered by the Murrumbidgee River and the regions of Weston Creek, Molonglo Valley and Belconnen, the “Western Edge” refers to 9,800 ha of undeveloped land to the west of Canberra. Much of the area is made up of rural leasehold land whose purchase by the Suburban Land Agency in 2015 garnered much public interest. Despite, at the time, stating that there were no plans for the land to be developed for 20-30 years, the 2021 Budget announcement indicates that early planning studies are afoot.
MEDIA RELEASE: Canberra’s environment to foot the bill for Defence Housing Australia’s poor investment
The Conservation Council ACT Region is disappointed by Defence Housing Australia’s recently released revised development plans for Lawson North, noting that the proposal to construct single and multi-unit residences over critically-endangered natural temperate...
Bluett’s Block – a biodiversity gem!
Below the Molonglo River Reserve and to the West of Denman Prospect Development, is a remarkable natural area known as “Bluetts Block”. Two ecological communities are found at Bluetts Block 1) Dry Forest with a shrubby-healthy-grassy ground layer located on higher...
Budget Wrap 2021-2022
Earlier this year, the Conservation Council made a Budget submission to the ACT Government this year that focussed on 4 key priorities: Respond to the climate emergency by expediting action to cut the ACT’s direct emissions from gas (stationary energy) and transport;...
Cat-astrophe: Cats Found to be the Most Costly Invasive Species in Australia and the ACT
A recent study from researchers at Matthew Flinders University and the CSIRO reveals the enormous cost of invasive species to the Australian economy, and shows that cats are the worst perpetrators. In light of the recent research it is prudent to question whether the laid back implementation of cat containment in the ACT is appropriate.
MEDIA RELEASE: 2021-22 climate and environment budget lopsided
The Conservation Council ACT Region cautiously welcomed funding for climate action and the environment announced today by the ACT Government, though has raised concerns that some of the biggest-ticket items in the Budget will deliver little in the way of emissions reductions.