Page 5305 - Week 12 - Thursday, 28 October 2010
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reserve is the responsibility of the ACT Planning and Land Authority. By identifying the values of the reserve and the objectives and policies for the conservation of those values, the management plan is also intended to provide guidance for agencies in the planning, design and management of the Kingston Foreshore and East Lake areas.
The central location of Jerrabomberra wetlands means there are increasing pressures on the reserve. The Kingston Foreshore development is bringing higher density urban development close to the western boundary of the reserve, and planning is well underway for the redevelopment of the East Lake area on the south-western boundary. These developments are likely to result in significantly more people using the wetlands and this may have both positive and negative impacts.
The existing reserve infrastructure is currently limited to a number of bird hides, a walking trail, bridge and a recently upgraded bicycle track. The increasing number of people living adjacent to the wetlands will bring with it a range of requirements for additional recreation facilities, stormwater management infrastructure and better access for vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists.
Over the next four years the ACT government will invest over $2.4 million in capital works within the Jerrabomberra wetlands, which includes the development and implementation of a master plan. The Land Development Agency has also committed to investing around $1 million from the sale of the Kingston foreshores.
The master plan will create opportunities for enhancing the wetland habitats and providing new facilities to encourage visitors to learn about the value of the wetlands. It will include detailed site planning and concept designs for particular areas or facilities and will take account of planning for the interface area. The master plan will provide a unique opportunity to build on the existing biodiversity values of the wetland and to ensure that the wetland will attract local, interstate and, potentially, international visitors.
The ACT government has been keenly interested in ensuring that Jerrabomberra wetlands meets its full potential while at the same time protecting the habitat values. A number of roundtable discussions were held with local wetland experts and relevant government agencies to explore issues associated with the urban development adjacent to the wetlands, as well as governance options for the reserve. The Chief Minister also met with the Chief Executive of the UK-based Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Mr Martin Spray, when he was visiting Australia.
The ACT government has recently established an interim board of management for the Jerrabomberra wetlands nature reserve, which includes experts in the fields of wetland ecology, ornithology, wetland management and community engagement. These experts come from a mix of community, educational and government institutions and will guide the development and management of the reserve and the master planning process.
While Jerrabomberra wetlands nature reserve is territory land, it is also a designated area under the national capital plan. The National Capital Authority has been consulted throughout the preparation of the plan of management, and the plan is not inconsistent with the national capital plan.
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