Page 3008 - Week 08 - Thursday, 15 August 2019
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electorate. It stretches from downstream of Scrivener Dam to the Murrumbidgee River Corridor reserve. This new reserve will be a unique addition and extension to the nature parks of Canberra as well as being part of the everyday lives of residents of the Molonglo Valley.
The reserve contains some of Canberra’s best river landscapes and is home to many native plants and animals, including the threatened pink-tailed worm-lizard, the superb parrot and natural temperate grassland and box-gum grassy woodland habitat. The Aboriginal cultural landscape, the river and the gorges and the rich biodiversity provide a variety of conservation, research, recreational and educational experiences for all.
In its eastern section the reserve is bounded by the new Molonglo Valley urban area. Because of this, careful planning has been undertaken to protect the natural and cultural values while also providing opportunities for the local community and visitors to enjoy and learn from the natural and cultural landscape.
This new reserve shows this government’s commitment to protecting and enhancing the bush capital. We recognise the important role our parks and reserves play in improving Canberrans’ lives. Many Canberrans live not far away from them. We can protect our natural environment because of good economic management guided by our belief in the importance of public services.
MS CODY: Minister, what will this new reserve be like?
MR GENTLEMAN: Residents in Ms Cody’s electorate will be able to access the reserve via a network of trails for walkers, cyclists and horse riders. This network will use existing management trails as well as some purpose-built trails. Links to nearby major attractions, including the National Arboretum, the National Zoo and Aquarium and Stromlo Forest Park, will be part of the network.
Designed to avoid areas of high ecological or cultural sensitivity, the trails will guide people to key vantage points and provide access to areas where the natural and cultural landscape can be appreciated. There will be lookouts and picnic shelters to maximise the experiences available at the reserve.
Site-specific signage about the unique natural and cultural values will enhance the experience and will educate the community on the significance of this beautiful landscape. Already two unique walking trails have been completed in the reserve near Coombs. The box-gum walk takes visitors on a return walk from Coombs through a special area of box-gum woodland, and tells the story of the woodland habitat and the crucial role of remnant trees. I believe the trail is well used by Coombs locals. On the opposite side of the river a trail takes walkers on the peninsula below Barrer Hill, where a series of Ngunnawal artworks display local plants and animals with Ngunnawal words.
MR GUPTA: Minister, how are members of the community being included in the design of these community spaces?
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