Page 3769 - Week 12 - Wednesday, 29 October 2014
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MR CORBELL: I thank Ms Porter for her question. I am pleased to say that a recent review of the ACT lowland woodland conservation strategy found that the extent and condition of the ACT’s woodlands, including critically endangered yellow box/red gum grassy woodlands, has improved significantly over the past decade—over the past term of this Labor government. While clearing and invasion by weeds and pest animals following European settlement destroyed and damaged many of these woodlands, here in the ACT we are fortunate to have some of the biggest, best connected and most botanically diverse woodlands in the country. Indeed, of the less than five per cent of this ecological community that is left in Australia compared to what existed prior to European settlement, we know that we have a significant obligation to protect this ecological community.
These are very, very important and highly endangered ecological communities. They include several threatened plants and birds and they are an important source of shelter for other animals. They provide critically important roles not only, for example, for storing carbon but also for protecting water quality and providing recreational opportunities for all Canberrans. Because they are so important, I am pleased to say that the amount of woodland under or identified for conservation management in the ACT has increased, and major woodland restoration is happening in the territory as a result of the ongoing efforts of this Labor government.
Since 2004 this Labor government has seen an additional 2,200 hectares of lowland woodland area added to our reserve or proposed for addition to our reserve network. Urban development has largely been concentrated away from lowland woodland vegetation, and some woodland areas of high conservation significance that have been previously identified for future urban use are now included in our reserve network.
The government is now committed to a woodland restoration program which will consolidate and connect 60,000 hectares of box gum grassy woodland landscape, including the creation of native vegetation to help wildlife move between larger stands of these woodland communities. We have done this and will continue to do this with the widespread support of both funding from the Australian government and the engagement of volunteer groups such as Greening Australia, Aboriginal and urban communities and Landcare groups, researchers and landholders.
This is a really exciting and very pleasing development. We know that we value our city as the bush capital, but we have to look after the bush capital. Since this government has been in office we have increased the amount of land in reserve and we have increased the amount of funding to better manage, connect and ensure the viability of these very valuable and distinct woodland communities.
MADAM SPEAKER: A supplementary question, Ms Porter.
MS PORTER: Minister, what are some of the more significant woodland projects that are contributing to the success of the strategy?
MR CORBELL: I thank Ms Porter for the supplementary. Under this government we have seen, as I said, an extra 2,200 hectares of woodland communities added or
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