Released 04/07/2016
From July 2016, ACT Parks and Conservation Services will take stewardship of the internationally acclaimed Australian Alps for the next three years, the Minister for Planning and Land Management, Mick Gentleman, announced today.
Over 1.6 million hectares of public land across eleven national parks and nature reserves in the ACT, NSW and Victoria encompasses the boundary of the existing Australian Alps national parks.
The Australian Alps National Parks Cooperative Management Program is an internationally recognised cross border management program that ensures Australia’s rooftop - Namadgi (ACT), Kosciuszko (NSW) and Alpine (Victoria) national parks – are well looked after.
“In its thirtieth year, the program is built on a spirit of cooperation between agencies and the adoption of best practices in park management,” Minister Gentleman said.
“The stewardship coincides with the ACT Parks and Conservation Service joining the Environment and Planning Directorate from July 2016. The merge of government functions will strengthen the ACT Government’s ability to deliver good environmental outcomes for our parks and reserves, water catchments, softwood plantations and rural lands.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for ACT Parks and Conservation, not only to work with the unique natural, cultural and recreational features of the Australian Alps national parks region but simultaneously join forces with ACT’s environmental policy.
“An example of the Alps Program is highlighted by recent assistance to NSW Parks colleagues to undertake a detailed analysis of wild horse populations within the Kosciuszko National Park. This work informed the development of the park’s wild horse management plan which has direct relevance to our management of the Cotter catchment.
The program rotation every three years is in keeping with established practice amongst the participating agencies. It also offers an opportunity to actively participate in various Alps reference groups, workshops, and various scientific and operational projects, which continue to assist Alps park agencies in managing this bioregion.
“I am sure that leading the Alps program for the next three years will offer ACT Parks and Conservation Services staff greater opportunities for collaboration and learning that will help protect the beautiful and amazing Australian Alps and in turn benefit Canberra,” Minister Gentleman concluded.
- Statement ends -
Mick Gentleman, MLA | Media Releases