WAconsultation@nca.gov.au

Blocks 4 & 5 Section 38 Campbell – Site Development

Friends of Grasslands (FOG) is a community group dedicated to the conservation of natural temperate grassy ecosystems in south-eastern Australia. FOG advocates, educates and advises on matters to do with the conservation of grassy ecosystems, and carries out surveys and other on-ground work. FOG is based in Canberra and its members include professional scientists, landowners, land managers and interested members of the public.

As advised for the Concept Plan and DCP in July 2019, FOG remains concerned that there may be considerable inadvertent damage to the critically endangered Natural Temperate Grassland and Yellow Box – Blakely’s Red Gum Woodland adjacent. This is only one of two areas of critically endangered Natural Temperate Grassland remaining within Central Canberra, which was, prior to the establishment of the capital city,  primarily natural grassland. We urge the following actions during development and post-development to reduce inadvertent and on-going damage:

1. Cat containment: we urge that this be implemented from inception. All new suburbs developed by ACT Government are required to ensure cat containment. This development is adjacent to Mt Ainslie Nature Reserve.
2. Fencing of the entire grassland and woodland area to the north of the development during the construction period and ensuring no run-off; a gate for access for local residents at each end of the current pathway is acceptable.
3. Landscaping within the development area to include no species that may become invasive and spread beyond the development area. Where possible local endemic species should be included to enhance habitat.
4. If any native trees are to be removed from the development site, the logs from these trees to be placed in the woodland adjacent or within Mt Ainslie Nature Reserve in consultation with the relevant managers, to enhance habitat.
5. That the developers work with relevant managers and community groups to develop a program to ensure long-term protection of the area of native grassland and Golden Sun Moth habitat to the north of the development area. This may include preparation of educational material to inform future residents, including development of wording for signage and possible publication of information about the threatened habitat to the north of the site. A process similar to that applied at Forde in Gungahlin may be considered, in which a partnership between developers, conservation and other community groups and other stakeholders was established.

FOG members would be pleased to assist in a partnership to define requirements to protect the native grassland and woodland.

Yours sincerely

 

Prof. Jamie Pittock
President

24 October 2022