Released 07/09/2018
As we celebrate National Threatened Species Day, the ACT Government is launching the updated ACT Aquatic and Riparian Conservation Strategy.
We are also launching seven associated action plans for threatened species, including the Silver Perch (which no longer exists in wild populations in the ACT) and the 11 plants that make up the only wild population of Tuggeranong Lignum in the world.
Today, along with Conservator for Flora and Fauna Ian Walker, I launched the strategy to guide the protection, management and restoration of natural aquatic and riparian areas and associated species for the next 10 years, with the aim of creating conditions where threatened species may again thrive.
Aquatic and riparian ecosystems—our waterways and the land along their banks—contribute to our natural biodiversity, our history and heritage, and our local amenity and community. But they are threatened on many fronts, including by climate change, sedimentation, invasive species and poor water flow.
Human settlement has always followed rivers. This strategy outlines how we can manage the pressure on these ecosystems from the need to extract water for human needs and other threats including erosion, disease and climate change.
It’s important we maintain and improve ecological connectivity and biodiversity throughout our aquatic and riparian ecosystems, continue monitoring and research programs and improve ecosystem resilience to a changing climate. At the same time, we can enhance cultural engagement, education and scientific research.
Importantly, the strategy outlines how the government can continue to partner with the community given that community volunteers are essential to aquatic and riparian management and rehabilitation programs.
The action plans to further protect threatened species in these ecosystems include Macquarie Perch, Two-spined Blackfish, Trout Cod, Murray Crayfish, Silver Perch, Murrumbidgee Bossiaea and Tuggeranong Lignum.
The strategy builds on the successful protection and management of aquatic and riparian areas achieved since the original 2007 aquatic Species and Riparian Zone Conservation Strategy and will be integral to the upcoming ACT Water Resource Plan, Urban Lakes and Ponds Land Management Plan, and Environmental Flow Guidelines.
The full strategy, a summary and the action plans can be seen at www.yoursay.act.gov.au or www.environment.act.gov.au
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Mick Gentleman, MLA | Media Releases
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