Canberra’s network of nature parks is set to grow even bigger with plans for a new reserve in the Gungahlin region.
Minister for Planning and Land Management, Mick Gentleman said the new reserve slated for Kenny would protect native ecosystems and serve as an environmental offset.
“We know Canberrans really value being close to green spaces and we are delivering on our commitment to growing the Canberra Nature Park,” Minister Gentleman said.
“This will be the 39th reserve in our Canberra Nature Park network, providing residents in the new suburb of Kenny access to a reserve right on their doorsteps.
“The reserve will also act as an environmental offset to protect endangered species and enable work to begin on the suburb of Kenny. Offsets like these help us balance the impact of urban development on our wildlife.”
The ACT Government today released a Draft Variation 379 to the Territory Plan to create a Nature Reserve in Kenny.
Member for Yerrabi, Suzanne Orr said it would be the second nature reserve created in the Gungahlin region this year, after the addition of Franklins Grasslands.
“There is a lot of love for our iconic Canberra Nature Park and I know protecting the environment is very important to Canberrans, especially as more threatened species are impacted by climate change,” Ms Orr said.
“I look forward to hearing feedback from the community on this newest nature reserve. We are seeing Canberrans embrace our precious and unique ecosystems as we open more of them up to the community.
“Just nearby in Franklin we’ve seen the formation of a parkcare group, clean up days, open days and enthusiastic feedback on the draft landscape plan. I am sure the new reserve in Kenny will be welcomed with the same enthusiasm.”
View and comment on the draft variation at: www.planning.act.gov.au.
