Nature Conservation Strategy

The Nature Conservation Strategy 2013-2023 was tabled in the ACT Legislative Assembly on 13 August 2013 and commenced on 14 November 2013.

The Conservator of Flora and Fauna prepared the Nature Conservation Strategy 2013–23 under the provisions of the Nature Conservation Act 1980.

The strategy helps guide future planning of the Territory’s open spaces, rural areas, urban areas, riverine corridors, and nature reserves, and guide investment of funding and resources in nature conservation. The strategy also improves the opportunities for ACT residents to enjoy parks, reserves and open space, as places for recreation, amenity, self-renewal and education. It is designed to support the ACT’s diverse volunteer base, which put in tens of thousands of hours of unpaid work every year to help manage the ACT’s natural areas.

The community and stakeholders were engaged in the development of the strategy.

Implementation

Progress reports on the implementation of the strategy show that work undertaken so far has made a significant impact on the Territory’s landscapes through restoration and rehabilitation on the ground. The Nature Conservation Strategy Progress Report 2019 Shows 51 milestones/priorities have been completed with a further 51 ongoing.

Highlights include:

  • completing the Woodlands Restoration Program which restored and connected 60,000 hectares of the largest remaining box-gum grassy woodland in Australia
  • undertaking research and on-ground trials to improve management of ACT’s grasslands for threatened flora and fauna
  • releasing new plans for managing and protecting native species (Scarlet Robin, Murray Cod and Listed Migratory Species) and updating a further 16 action plans
  • successfully translocating and reintroducing many species to the ACT including the Eastern Bettong, Eastern Quoll, Brown Treecreeper and New Holland Mouse as part of the Mulligans Flat Woodland Sanctuary and Mulligans Flat – Goorooyarroo Woodland experiment.
  • continuing strong community engagement through Parkcare and citizen science groups

The next Implementation Plan 2019-23 sets out new focus areas. These include:

  • working with rural landholders on promoting native vegetation and biodiversity
  • supporting Traditional Custodians to apply land management methods on Country
  • strengthening partnerships for conservation, including cross-border collaboration
  • improving the ACT’s ability to monitor the effectiveness of environmental programs.

Other priorities will continue like building our environment’s ability to adapt to climate change, managing pest animals and weeds, protecting threatened species, supporting citizen science and expanding opportunities for people to enjoy nature.