Released 13/07/2017
Minister for the Environment Mick Gentleman has today announced the beginning of consultation on the draft migratory species action plan to protect and manage habitats used by migratory birds in the ACT.
“The ACT Government is committed to protecting migratory wildlife once these animals arrive in Canberra, and we are keen to hear from birdwatchers, and other members of the community, on the draft action plan,” Minister Gentleman said.
“Twenty-seven migratory birds are known to visit the ACT. We have an international responsibility to maintain their preferred habitat and contribute to international research on these birds.
“Some of these birds have travelled half way across the world to get to Australia, from as far away as northern Siberia, China, and Japan. For example, the Latham’s Snipe breeds in Hokkaido in Japan during the northern summer then flies the 8000 kilometres south along the East Asian–Australasian Flyway to south-eastern Australia.
“The birds’ favourite places to spend the summer include the Jerrabomberra Wetlands, Lake George and Lake Bathurst outside the ACT,” Minister Gentleman said.
“This plan aims to protect, restore and enhance important wetland, wildlife corridors and breeding habitat in the ACT. It will manage identified threats to important sites and habitat and improve our knowledge about the occurrence and management of listed migratory species.
“I’d like to thank the Canberra Ornithologists Group and other citizen scientists for their ongoing voluntary work, excellent reporting of sightings and input to the draft action plan,” Minister Gentleman concluded.
The draft action plan is on https://yoursay.act.gov.au/ for comment until Friday, 25 August 2017.
- Statement ends -
Mick Gentleman, MLA | Media Releases