Page 2628 - Week 07 - Thursday, 1 August 2019
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The meandering river landscape includes some spectacular scenery, from deeply incised gorges to quiet pools, rocky riverbeds and rapids. This varied river landscape supports a diversity of aquatic life and rich deposits of faunal fossils. The rich diversity of species in the reserve includes 92 bird species, five native fish and crayfish species, and more than 200 plant species.
Kama woodland is part of the reserve and is one of Australia’s best examples of the critically endangered box-gum woodland ecological community. The rocky slopes near the river corridor provide habitat for the largest remaining population in Australia of the nationally threatened species, the pink-tailed worm-lizard. The reserve also contains natural temperate grasslands, a threatened ecological community. The grassland and woodland communities provide habitat for the threatened swift and superb parrots.
The Molonglo River Reserve provides an important wildlife corridor. It connects some of the northern Canberra Nature Park reserves to the Murrumbidgee River corridor and the northern mountain landscape beyond. More than 75 per cent of bird species recorded in the ACT use the river landscape at some time. The Molonglo and Murrumbidgee river corridors together have a higher diversity and abundance of raptors than any other place in the ACT region.
Our vision for the area is that the Molonglo River Reserve will be our treasured natural “front yard”. Its river and gorges and rich biodiversity provide a variety of conservation, research, recreational and educational experiences for all Canberrans to enjoy.
Over the next 10 years the plan will guide land management and recreational use for the Molonglo River Reserve. High-use recreation will be concentrated in two special purpose reserves and we will manage the remaining areas for natural and cultural heritage and biodiversity. We will maintain and enhance threatened species populations, maintain species diversity, and improve aquatic and river health. It is important that we continue to work closely with the local community and foster mutual responsibility for the ongoing care of the reserve. The plan identifies a range of policies and actions to help us to achieve this.
It is important to reduce the risk of wildfire and to protect the suburbs and the fire-sensitive species and ecological communities. The plan balances fire asset protection with ecological values. The plan is consistent with the ACT strategic bushfire management plan 2014-19, which establishes fire fuel management and asset protection zones.
I strongly believe in the importance of meaningful community engagement. The preparation of the draft plan was a collaborative exercise between the community and government. A community reference group was formed comprising recreational user groups, environmental groups and land users. The Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate was represented on the Molonglo River park coordination committee and the committee has reviewed all versions of the draft plan.
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