A landscape plan to protect Canberra’s newest nature reserve and engage the community in the importance of our grasslands is now open for consultation.
Minister for the Environment and Heritage Mick Gentleman said the consultation gives people in Franklin and the surrounding area the opportunity to have their say on how Canberra’s newest reserve is managed.
“The plan outlines how we will manage on-site activity, visitor access and infrastructure in the reserve while protecting its unique grassland values,” Minister Gentleman said.
“Franklin Grasslands is home to many critically endangered fauna, such as the Golden Sun Moth and the Striped Legless Lizard, as well as the Yellow Box and Red Gum Grassy Woodland and Natural Temperate Grassland.
“Being located in the heart of Gungahlin presents challenges for environmental protection and opportunities for community engagement and education.
“We are committed to preserving what you love about the bush capital by creating new reserves like this, in contrast with the Canberra Liberals who have promised to pursue urban sprawl with no conservation plan.”
Member for Yerrabi Suzanne Orr said the Grasslands were an important pat of the Franklin landscape and encouraged the Yerrabi community to get involved.
“We are asking the community how they would like to celebrate this important landscape, and how we can help Canberrans connect with the site’s unique natural values. The draft plan identifies the high value conservation areas and suggested infrastructure for visitors to learn about the grasslands,” Minister Orr said.
“We have seen success stories from similar sites in urban settings in Victoria and will be drawing from these experiences to engage the surrounding suburbs.
“An open day at the Franklin Grasslands on 6 September will have the draft plan on display and rangers will run guided walks to help the community explore and understand the site.”
Consultation is open until 25 September 2020. Review and comment on the draft plan here: www.yoursay.act.gov.au/franklin-grasslands
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