Released 25/07/2017
Minister for the Environment and Heritage Mick Gentleman today announced a new management plan to protect the internationally significant Ginini Flats wetlands in Namadgi.
The Ginini Flats wetlands are home to the endangered northern corroboree frog, which the ACT Government is committed to helping recover from near extinction through a breeding and reintroduction program. The wetlands are also home to other important plant and animal species, including birds listed under international migratory bird agreements, such as the Latham’s snipe.
“This management plan is essential to manage the site, avoid or minimise the impact of threats—such as fire and climate change—and to help us meet our international obligations to halt and, where possible, reverse the worldwide loss of wetlands and conserve those that remain,” Minister Gentleman said.
“The draft plan was released for community consultation late last year. Comments received were supportive of the management proposals and helped us refine the final plan, particularly the actions around the northern corroboree frog and improving public information at the site.”
Minister Gentleman said the wetlands - high in the Namadgi National Park near the crest of the Brindabella Range – were severely damaged by the 2003 bushfires and are highly susceptible to further damage from climate change.
“Climate change is biggest threat to wetlands right around the world. Predicted increased temperatures and altered rainfall patterns may create the conditions for more frequent and intense wildfires, altering the overall hydrology of the vegetation area in the wetlands, reducing the bog area and increasing erosion of disturbed vegetation surfaces,” Minister Gentleman said.
“The plan outlines management practices to conserve the wetlands as a sustainable natural ecosystem that provides habitat for its native wildlife and protects the cultural heritage significance and values associated with the site. At the same time, it provides for limited public use of the area for recreation, education and research.
“The management plan announced today will help ensure that these internationally significant wetlands remain a staple of our community that can be enjoyed by Canberrans for generations to come,” Minister Gentleman concluded.
- Statement ends -
Mick Gentleman, MLA | Media Releases