Released 16/09/2016
The internationally significant Ginini Flats wetlands in Namadgi, home to the endangered Northern Corroboree Frog, will be protected with the preparation of a new management plan, the Conservator for Flora and Fauna, Annie Lane, said today.
“The Environment and Planning Directorate is seeking community comment on the draft management plan for the Ginini Flats Wetland Complex until 31 October,” Dr Lane said.
“The wetland complex is the largest intact Sphagnum bog and fen community in the Australian Alps. It was designated as a wetland of international importance in 1996 under the Ramsar Convention, which aims to halt and, where possible, reverse the worldwide loss of wetlands and to conserve those that remain.
“The wetlands are home to the Northern Corroboree Frog, which the ACT Government is helping to recover from near extinction through a breeding and reintroduction program, and other important plants and animals including birds, such as the Latham’s Snipe, listed under several international migratory bird agreements.
“The plan will guide appropriate management practices to conserve the wetlands as a sustainable natural ecosystem that provides habitat for its native plants and animals, and protect the cultural heritage significance and values associated with the site. At the same time, it will provide for public use of the area for recreation, education and research.
“The draft plan incorporates lessons from the 2003 bushfires, which caused severe damage to the wetlands, and advances in climate change science that require us to implement adaptive management strategies.
“Climate change is the wetlands’ biggest threat. Predicted increased temperatures and altered rainfall patterns may create the conditions for more frequent and intense wildfires and alter the important peatlands.
“Related risks include impacts from feral animals and weeds entering the area,” Dr Lane said.
The wetlands are high in the Namadgi National Park near the crest of the Brindabella Range, near the ACT/NSW border.
Photos attached. For more information, go to www.yoursay.act.gov.au. Consultation closes 31 October 2016.
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