Page 5447 - Week 14 - Thursday, 30 November 2017
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video
ACT has a number of forests, woodlands and grasslands that support a diversity of both native and introduced mammals of varying types. We have arboreal—or tree dwelling—marsupials, we have relatively large grazing marsupials, smaller ground dwelling mammals and bats. Among our arboreal choices are possums, pygmy possums, gliders, phascogales and koalas.
Larger grazers include the common wombat and local species of macropod: the eastern grey kangaroo, the wallaroo, red-necked wallaby and swamp wallaby. Young swamp wallabies are often mistaken for brush-tailed rock wallabies, and even though we no longer have them in the wild in the ACT, they are in Namadgi. Researchers also tell us that we probably have at least one bandicoot species in the ACT.
Our smaller ground-dwelling mammals include echidnas and platypuses, quolls, bettongs, potoroos, antechinus, dunnarts and native rodents. The threatened smoky mouse has not been recorded in the ACT since the 1980s, although it is thought there may be a few still present in Namadgi.
We have a rich choice for selection as the ACT mammal emblem. In terms of the selection that we have available to us, some, if not a number, by their very name or description probably rule themselves out. For example, the broad-toothed rat might engender anthropomorphistic comparison, although it may demonstrate that the ACT has a sense of humour. The echidna, full of sharp pricks in their coat, may draw some unflattering comparisons to the ACT and it hardly makes for a very cuddly photo opportunity.
Too many gardeners and a number of homeowners across Canberra would be less than pleased with the choice of possum. A hairy-nosed version of our common wombat has already been claimed, and bats are also unlikely to bring out favourable, warm and fuzzy feelings. We also have an annual cull of kangaroos, again not a suitable choice.
That leaves us with some of the smaller, more cuddly and less known mammals like the eastern bettong, quolls and dunnarts. I note that the Chief Minister’s preference appears to be the eastern bettong. That particular ACT resident—the bettong, not the Chief Minister—has a really good back story.
It being 45 minutes after the commencement of Assembly business, the debate was interrupted in accordance with standing order 77. Ordered that the time allotted to Assembly business be extended by 30 minutes.
MS LEE: In the early days of 2012 36 bettongs were released into Mulligans Flat sanctuary and today this number has grown to over 350. Mulligans Flat is now the only place on mainland Australia where you can see these species in the wild. I have been one of the very few lucky Canberrans to see them during a twilight tour of Mulligans Flat and I must say I can kind of see what the fuss is about.
I find myself today in some agreement with the Chief Minister. I think this is a very suitable inquiry for the ACT Assembly’s environment and transport and city services
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video