Page 2889 - Week 08 - Wednesday, 14 August 2019
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Catchment Group’s main goal is to improve the health and sustainability of the catchment.
The government-funded Waterwatch and Frogwatch programs have a strong presence in the Gungahlin and Belconnen regions and have been running for 24 and 15 years respectively. The Gungahlin and Belconnen areas currently have volunteers monitoring over 35 Waterwatch sites and 50 Frogwatch sites, providing a comprehensive picture of water quality and aquatic diversity. Both programs also conduct activities in local schools, teaching students the importance of water bugs and measuring water quality and how to identify different frog calls.
Recent project highlights include a cultural burn conducted by the ACT government at Gubur Dhaura, the ochre procurement site in Franklin. The Giralang Landcare Group had a recent successful tree planting event in collaboration with the Ginninderra Catchment Group.
In the recently announced environmental grants, The Giralang-Kaleen Men’s Shed will install nest boxes within urban open space at Yerrabi pond. I understand Ms Orr worked closely with the group to develop that proposal, an example of the dedication and service that members on this side provide to their community.
MS CHEYNE: Minister, what support was provided for projects in Ginninderra?
MR GENTLEMAN: That is another great question, from a hardworking member, who works tirelessly for Belconnen residents. Local Belconnen environment groups participate in annual ACT environment grants. This initiative, since 1996, funds community projects supporting environmental activities consistent with the ACT government’s policies and priorities. For example, in the last three grant rounds over $613,000 has been provided across 32 projects.
In Belconnen the Frogwatch program received an environment grant to deliver Frogphone monitoring trials. The aim of the project is to test this new, innovative monitoring technology to improve the efficacy and accuracy of collecting data on wildlife populations in the ACT. In the recently announced environment grants, Greening Australia, based in Aranda, were funded to create a cultural resource garden bed, which will showcase diverse native plant species and cultural practices of our traditional custodians.
There is a strong, healthy partnership between government and the community in sharing the load to improve our most valued environment. This has come about because of the sensible economic management by the government. But there is a threat. It is clear that those opposite are copying the Tony Abbott playbook, a playbook that favours Liberal mates, cuts essential services and hits the environment.
Budget—Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander services
MR MILLIGAN: My question is to the Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs. Minister, as part of last year’s budget, there was $50,000 allocated to scope out and re-profile the stalled, outdated and inadequate building from which our
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