Page 2516 - Week 09 - Tuesday, 23 August 1994
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The committee considers that there are many positive aspects of the plan, some of which I will highlight briefly to the Assembly. Firstly, the committee considers that the plan adequately recognises and protects the important conservation values of the Jerrabomberra Wetlands through its objective to conserve native wildlife and enhance habitat conditions. A key way of achieving this objective is the proposal to establish a register of important attributes and conservation values of the wetlands, its wildlife and significant sites. The ACT Parks and Conservation Service has indicated that it will examine options for the enhancement of those attributes and values which will form the basis of individual management programs.
The committee notes that, while there has been a tendency to place emphasis on aquatic species and bird life, the service has nevertheless recognised that habitat management and enhancement requires an holistic view of the ecology of the wetlands. The committee is also pleased to note that a key focus of the plan is to manage the wetlands so as to optimise its educational value for all Canberrans as well as visitors to the Territory. As such, the plan incorporates strategies to raise public awareness of the need to protect fragile environments such as wetlands and to encourage a sensitivity to the values of wetlands generally that will be reflected in future activities in the area. The plan is also designed to attract visitors of a wide variety of ages and backgrounds to promote community involvement in conservation programs. To this end, guidelines have been included for the provision of public facilities, including a visitor centre, pedestrian and cycle paths, bird observation hides, and facilities for study and education about aspects of wetlands ecology and management.
The committee notes that the plan also provides for the establishment of a refuge area on the western part of the wetlands to which public access will be restricted. The refuge area is aimed at providing a high degree of protection for significant nature conservation values in that area. In particular, it is designed to minimise human disturbance to groups of Latham's snipe, which is a migratory visitor to Australia and is subject to international treaties. The area will also provide a protective area for other species or individual birds which are sensitive to disturbances or which have been flushed out from other areas.
A significant area for cattle grazing has also been retained in the wetlands. As outlined in the report, this will provide many advantages. Cattle grazing will prevent the pasture from maturing in summer to a condition where it might burn in a grassfire. It will also ensure the maintenance of a short and open pasture, which is an attractive habitat for many species of birds. More importantly, the committee considers that, by retaining an area for cattle grazing, the open rural character of the Dairy Flat flood plain will be maintained. Finally, the committee is pleased to note that the plan recognises the desirability of promoting research into management problems relevant to the Jerrabomberra Wetlands. The ACT Parks and Conservation Service will oversee monitoring and research activities carried out by other organisations within the reserve. Such activities will be the subject of written agreement between the service and organisations and all persons involved.
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