Page 346 - Week 01 - Thursday, 16 February 2012
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the Valley ponds in Gungahlin, on Yarralumla Creek from its junction with the Molonglo River and further up into the Woden valley, as well as on ponds and other water management tools in the new development areas of Molonglo.
This government has demonstrated its longstanding commitment to improving the health of our natural waterways and I think its record is a strong and proud one.
MR HARGREAVES: A supplementary question, please.
MR SPEAKER: Yes, Mr Hargreaves.
MR HARGREAVES: Can the minister tell us how the community has been reacting to the ACT Labor government’s work to construct these extensive urban wetlands?
MR CORBELL: I thank Mr Hargreaves for the supplementary. I am pleased to say that we have had very strong support from the local communities for these projects as they have been rolled out. For example, at the recent planting day for the Dickson wetland in June last year we saw over 200 members of the community come out and assist with the planting.
It was obvious to all that their efforts have been a great success and the plants that the community helped put in place at that location are thriving. The obvious improvements to urban amenity as well as to water quality and local biodiversity are clear for all to see.
Of course, these areas are not just important from an environmental perspective. They greatly improve urban amenity. When I was out at the opening of the wetlands at Dickson a couple of weeks ago it was great to see even then in the middle of the day families walking around the pond, kids on bikes, enjoying the amenity of the area and bringing life back into the heart of the neighbourhood.
Of course, we also see the community involved in some environmental programs such as frogwatch and waterwatch. These are all contributing to strengthening community engagement and sense of wellbeing, as well as delivering important environmental benefits.
MRS DUNNE: Supplementary question, Mr Speaker.
MR SPEAKER: Yes, Mrs Dunne.
MRS DUNNE: Minister, what activity have you undertaken in Namadgi, given that in the original part of your answer you referred to work in Namadgi?
MR CORBELL: I am not the minister responsible for Namadgi, but I was and I am happy to speak a bit about the matter. I am sure that the Minister for Territory and Municipal Services will give me that leave.
There is very important work happening in Namadgi, particularly in relation to the restoration of the peat bogs at the very top of the Cotter River catchment. There is
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