Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . .

Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1996 Week 4 Hansard (17 April) . . Page.. 1009 ..

MR HUMPHRIES (continuing):

The Government has been conscious of the special conservation needs of threatened species in the Territory.

Ms Follett: On a point of order, Mr Speaker: I understand that Mr Humphries is speaking under the heading of presentation of papers.

MR SPEAKER: Yes.

Ms Follett: Could I comment that we do not appear to have had anything presented to us. Are we going to?

MR SPEAKER: They are coming, I understand. They are being prepared for distribution.

MR HUMPHRIES: They have been made available. Presumably, they are on their way. They will be made available shortly, I understand.

MR SPEAKER: I apologise. They will be circulated.

MR HUMPHRIES: The Government has made a significant contribution to conserving the region's biodiversity by reserving almost 500 hectares of grassland habitat in Gungahlin, which will assist in the conservation of the striped legless lizard. This area also includes about 170 hectares of native grassland, an endangered ecological community also in need of special protection. Further research is being undertaken to determine the conservation needs of grassland communities elsewhere in the Territory. In this regard, officers of the Commonwealth and Territory governments are collaborating in several areas where interests coincide.

Declaration is an important initial step in the conservation process for threatened species and communities. It establishes a sound scientific basis for the examination of conservation requirements and the development of planning and management priorities. Declaration also initiates certain statutory processes to ensure that conservation issues are addressed. The Conservator of Flora and Fauna is obliged to develop a conservation action plan in response to each declaration. An action plan will identify the issues involved and outline proposals for improved conservation of the species or communities. Species that are declared as endangered, that is, the threat of extinction is immediate, will be subject to the highest level of statutory protection available under the Nature Conservation Act.

This declaration is a significant event for nature conservation in the Territory. It is the first functional outcome of important work being undertaken by the Flora and Fauna Committee and is a credit to the dedication and expertise of its members, led by Dr Jill Landsberg. Over time I anticipate further declarations as evidence of this Government's continuing commitment to conservation of the biological diversity of the ACT. I commend the instrument to the house.

Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . .