ACT Greens seek protection for threatened ACT woodlands

The ACT Greens will today call on the Assembly to help improve the protection of Canberra's threatened ecological communities by incorporating a gap in the Mt Majura Nature Park.

The motion, due to be tabled in the Legislative Assembly today, focuses on Canberra's threatened Yellow Box-Blakely’s Red Gum Woodlands. It specifically seeks to rezone an area near Mount Majura nature reserve to protect it from future development. 

Woodlands are especially valuable as a home to several endangered species, including vulnerable birds such as the superb parrot and glossy black cockatoo.

“The Greens are committed to protect our environment & everything that depends on it,” ACT Greens Leader and Environment spokesperson Shane Rattenbury said today.

“The area east of Antill Street in Watson contains threatened Yellow Box-Blakely’s Red Gum Woodlands. But this land is currently zoned to potentially allow for dense residential development.

“The blocks in question need to be incorporated into the Mount Majura Nature Reserve to ensure the integrity of the reserve, and prevent ‘edge effect’, which particularly risks the introduction of predators such as domestic cats.”

“Given that Yellow Box Woodlands have already largely been cleared for housing and other infrastructure, it’s crucial that we protect these remaining areas for their ecological value and the enjoyment of all Canberrans.”

Statement ends

Lisa Wills                M 0481 035 764         E lisa.wills@act.gov.au