Submission to Nature in Our City Inquiry

LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY FOR THE AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY

STANDING COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT AND TRANSPORT AND CITY SERVICES Ms Suzanne Orr MLA (Chair), Miss Candice Burch MLA (Deputy Chair) Ms Tara Cheyne MLA, M s Nicole Lawder MLA

Submission Cover Sheet

Nature in Our City

Submission Number : 66 Date Authorised for Publication : 8 August 2018 CONSERVATION COUNCIL ~

29 June 2018

Committee Secretary Standing Committee on Environment et al GPO Box 1020 Canberra ACT 2601

Dear Committee Secretary Nature in Our City Inquiry

A key role of the Conservation Council is its work to protect and enhance our special local environment, our Bush Capital and to raise awareness of it.

Canberrans are fortunate to have a wealth of bush and grassland right next door. These places make Canberra 'The Bush Capital' and a great place to be outdoors and get to know nature. Unfortunately, this closeness between people and nature can threaten the places we love and the plants and animals that live within them.

Please find enclosed copies of: • Molonglo Treasures • Belconnen Treasures • Gunghalin Treasure • Majura Treasures • Tuggeranong Treasures • Living Next to Nature: Being a Good Neighbor to the Bush Next Door • Managing the Urban Edge: Discussion Paper.

Treasures Publications The Conservation Council has produced a number of publications to highlight the natural and cultural heritage of specific areas. These form our 'Treasures' of the ACT Region series of booklets. The booklets describe the beautiful places to visit and are the perfect size to take exploring. They provide useful tips on enjoying outdoor activities such as biking, bushwalking, birdwatching, swimming, picnics and photography and include a field guide of plants and animals. Subject to funding we intend to produce four more "Treasures" publications to ensure coverage of all of the ACT - Ginninderry Treasures, Jerrabomberra's Treasures, Woden's Treasures and Central Canberra's Treasures.

· Living Next to Nature Living Next to Nature is a guide to being a good neighbour to the bush next door. It describes easy actions to take in your backyard, in the bush or in your community to help protect it.

Managing the Urban Edge Canberra's identity and urban planning has stemmed from the concept of a 'Bush Capital' ever since its founding, 100 years ago. Today, an increasing population and economy is driving rapid

CONSERVATION COUNCIL ACT REGION INCORPORATED

WWW,CONSERVATIONCOUNCIL.ORG .AU urbanisation, expanding the urban edge and threatening its 'bush' areas and the species that depend on them. In the ACT, these bush areas are home to a number of endangered ecological communities and species that need to be protected.

This document provides a basis for discussions between government, developers and community groups regarding the improvement of the management of these ecological values at the urban edge. It is based on the past experiences of the members of Bush on the Boundary Groups and the . member groups of the Conservation Council ACT Region in managing ecological values at the urban edge.

10 key issues have been drawn from this experience and discussed within this document: • Connectivity • Domestic Animal Management • Invasive Plant Species • Fire Management • Mature Trees • Rural Leases • Roads and Infrastructure • Access and Recreation • Aquatic and Riparian Areas • Community Participation

Addressing these issues in the long term will require a strategic approach that incorporates social and economic considerations and proactively addresses potential issues such as climate change, before negative impacts occur. This booklet was published in October 2013 . Some of the policy recommendations have been implemented other have not.

Yours sincerely

Larry O'Loughlin Executive Director 5SEFUL #ONTACTS

Conservation Council ACT Region www.ourenvironment.org.au for additional ACT REGION information on natural heritage features of the Belconnen region Canberra Archaeological Society http://www.cas.asn.au/ for more information on Belconnen’s cultural heritage National Trust of Australia ACT http://www.nationaltrustact.org.au for more ´S information on Belconnen’s cultural heritage "ELCONNEN ACT Heritage Register http://www.cmd.act.gov.au/heritage/act_heritage_register for information on registered heritage sites 4RE A SURE S The Department of Territory and Municipal Services (TAMS) http://www.tams.act.gov.au/ or using Canberra Connect 13 22 81 for information on ACT parks and open spaces ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Centre www.burringiri.org.au/ for more information on Belconnen’s Aboriginal heritage Canberra Ornithologists Group http://canberrabirds.org.au/ for more information on the ACT’s birds Friends of Grasslands http://www.fog.org.au/ for more information on the ACT’s native grassy ecosystems Landcare http://actlandcare.org.au/ for more information on local Park Care Groups Belconnen Community Council http://belcouncil.org.au/ for information on events and activities for the local community

Injured Wildlife Contacts RSPCA ACT www.rspca-act.org.au 6287 8113 (business hours) 0413 495 031 (after hours) for advice on injured wildlife Canberra Connect 13 22 81 for advice on injured kangaroos

Further Reading Eddy, D., Mallinson, D, Rehwinkel, R., Sharp, S. Grassland Flora. ACT, 1998 Gillepsie LL 1992 Gininderra Forerunner to Canberra, The Wizard Local History Series

A GUIDE TO INTERPRETING THE REGION’S HERITAGE www.consact.org.au Belconnen’s Treasures reveals the hidden, the interesting and the beautiful in one easy-to-use guide

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11 #ONTENTS

The Heritage of Belconnen 4 CULTURAL SITES Belconnen Naval Transmission Station, Lawson 6 Charnwood Homestead Site, Fraser 8 Cranleigh Homestead Site, Latham 9 Latham Artefact Grinding Grooves, Latham 10 Methodist Cemetery and the site of Weetangera Methodist Church, Hawker 11 Palmerville Heritage Park, Giralang 12 St Paul’s Cemetery, Evatt 13 The Old Ginninderra Police Station/Residence and Stables, Ginninderra 14 NATURAL HERITAGE 15 Aranda Bushland, Aranda 17 Bruce Ridge, Bruce 19 Dunlop Grasslands, Dunlop 21 Gossan Hill, Bruce 23 Mt Painter, Cook 25 The Pinnacle, Weetangera 27 OTHER SITES 28 Giralang Primary School, Giralang 28 Cameron Ofﬁces, Belconnen Town Centre 28 Glenloch Cork Oak Plantation, Greenhills Forest area 29 Mt Rogers Reserve, Fraser, Melba 29 FIELD GUIDE 30 Reptiles 30 Forbes 30 Lillies 31 Trees 31 Grasses 33 Birds 34 PHOTO ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 35

3 4HE (ERITAGE OF "ELCONNEN The land in the area that is now known as Belconnen forms the south-west half of the Ginninderra Creek catchment. This area was first occupied by Aboriginal people who, for thousands of years, made use of Ginninderra Creek as well as numerous local plants and animals including the Eastern Grey Kangaroo, Swamp Wallaby, Monitor Lizard, Yam Daisy and Native Cherry. When Europeans arrived, the Aborigines helped them by showing them useful local resources. There was also an exchange of culture, as shown by the presence of Aboriginal artefacts flaked from glass bottle bases. Some Aboriginal men and women took up agricultural and domestic jobs in the new settlement and the men were highly regarded in the local sporting teams. Land along Ginninderra Creek was obtained through government grants. The first European settlement, ‘Palmerville’, sat in the middle of the catchment which is now part of Gungahlin and Belconnen. The parishes of Wallaroo and Gooromon Ponds are now in Belconnen, while those of Ginninderra and Mulligan’s Flat are in Gungahlin. Charles Sturt received one of the earliest grants, of 2023.43 hectares, in recognition of his successes as an explorer. He called the land ‘Grange’ after his home in England. ‘Grange’ quickly became known as ‘Belconon’ or ‘Belconnen’, perhaps based on an Aboriginal word for the area. Sturt sold the land to Charles Campbell for £1,000 in 1837. The first resident landholder was Henry Hall who was granted 1405.1ha in the parish of Wallaroo. He built his home there in 1833 and called the property ‘Charnwood’ after a forest in Leicestershire, England. Another early settler, James McCarthy Jnr, began expanding from his father’s holdings at Penrith by leasing four portions of land in 1834 in the County of Murray along the Murrumbidgee River. He progressively bought these portions and called the property ‘Glenwood’. He did not live on the property, but his sons James and William did. Another prominent family in the Belconnen area was the Southwells. Thomas Southwell was born in Saleshurst, Sussex, England, in 1813. He emigrated on the ‘Lady Nugent’ and arrived in Sydney on 27 November 1838 before settling at Ginninderra in 1840. Later he moved to ‘Parkwood’, where he successfully farmed. He died at ‘Parkwood’ on 31 May 1885.

Grave Sites, Methodists Cemetary. NT

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Aranda Bushland Nature Reserve

,¢o Yelow-BodRed-Oum Ende~d ONli.ly 'i\bodlar,d - N..rura! tempen1te 9rH1l•llcf - Lo•nd •-oodland (paruly modit\td) {8] Ga1tt lo~M ',\'OO(lltnd (r'nodett~ly moclilltd) -- Re,erve iorooo• S.oond11iy r,re161ano --"-tt,._,. .-.Ck.t and tr-all, Sulw.anlllly & Severely mocl!l\ad woodland vegetallon CJ Re,en-. bound1,y ,~------.,- 16 !RANDA "USHLAND !RANDA Significance What can you do there? Entered to ACT Heritage Register. Aranda Bushwalk, birdwatch, enjoy the range of Bushland is a 100 hectare reserve of flowering plants and orchids in spring. eucalypt forest and woodland. It contains Dogs permitted on lead. woodland habitat in good condition and has a diverse range of plant communities Description from grassy woodland to dry sclerophyll Parts of Aranda Bushland were cleared by forest (typically containing eucalypts early settlers but, fortunately, large areas and tough-leaved shrubs). Just below regenerated naturally before major weeds Aranda Bushland is the Aranda Snow invaded. You can see this regeneration Gums Heritage Site. This is a frost-hollow, as you enter Aranda Bushland and notice adjacent to William Hovell Drive, and is the the distinct change in vegetation where only surviving site of this type within the the trees are growing close together city of Canberra. The site demonstrates and are much the same age. If you then the transition from the treeless grassland walk uphill, you will pass through dark- Limestone Plains, through snow gums, trunked Red Stringybarks (Eucalyptus into the adjacent Yellow Box-Red Gum macrorhyncha) while the downhill track will Grassy Woodland and then into bushland. take you through white-trunked Scribbly Gum (Eucalyptus rossii) and Brittle Gum Access (Eucalyptus mannifera). The tracks are Aranda Snow Gums Heritage Site and sign-posted and lead you past 10 different Aranda Bushland are connected by a eucalyptus species and four ecological walkway through a rural lease. The two communities (Natural Temperate Grassland, sites are part of an interpretive walk which Snow Gum Woodland, Yellow Box-Red Gum commences at the Black Mountain car Grassy Woodland and Scribbly Gum-Red park, accessed from Gungahlin Drive Stringybark Bushland). As you explore (travelling north) and William Hovell Drive Aranda Bushland you are likely to see many (travelling east). Direct access points to birds, kangaroos and wildflowers. Aranda Bushland include stiles and slip- Possibly Canberra’s oldest Snow Gum. IF throughs, which are located in the south of Aranda suburb, along Bindubi St, William Hovell Drive and at the intersection of William Hovell Drive and Gungahlin Drive.

Spotted Pardalote, Aranda Bushland. RM

17 &IELD'UIDE Reptiles Forbes

PS AS

Pink-tailed Worm Lizard Aprasia parapulchella Australian Bindweed Convolvulus erubescens Endangered. Likes rocky areas on open hillsides Common. Flowers all year but mainly in spring and ridges dominated by native grasses. Eats and summer. Tolerates moderate disturbance. black ants. AS Insects

Bluebell Wahlenbergia communis Very Common. Flowers from spring to late autumn. Sets seed, germinates and survives Golden Sunmoth Synemon plana very well even under dry conditions.

Endangered. Threatened by habitat PR fragmentation due to development. Prefers short Wallaby Grass as its caterpillars feed on the roots.

Blue Devil Eryngium ovinum Moderately common. Flowers spring to mid summer. Found in grasslands. Intolerant of heavy grazing. Perunga Grasshopper Perunga ochracea Vulnerable. Found in both Natural Temperate Grasslands and Yellow Box-Red Gum Grassy Woodlands. Feeds on forbs (non-woody ﬂowering plants).

30 5SEFUL #ONTACTS

Injured Wildlife Contacts RSPCA ACT www.rspca-act.org.au 6287 8113 (business hours) 0413 495 031 (after hours) for advice on injured wildlife Canberra Connect 13 22 81 for advice on injured kangaroos

Further Reading Eddy, D., Mallinson, D, Rehwinkel, R., Sharp, S. Grassland Flora. ACT, 1998 Gillepsie LL 1992 Gininderra Forerunner to Canberra, The Wizard Local History Series

A GUIDE TO INTERPRETING THE REGION’S HERITAGE www.consact.org.au Belconnen’s Treasures reveals the hidden, the interesting and the beautiful in one easy-to-use guide

This project was assisted through funding made available by the ACT Heritage Grants Program ACT REGION 'UNGAHLIN´S 4RE A SURE S

A GUIDE TO INTERPRETING THE REGION’S HERITAGE Gungahlin’s Treasures reveals the hidden, the interesting and the beautiful in one easy-to-use guide

This project was assisted through funding made available by the ACT Government under the ACT Heritage Grants Program ·~~

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11 #ONTENTS

The Cultural Heritage Sites of Gungahlin Map Inside cover The Cultural Heritage of Gungahlin 4 The Natural Heritage of Gungahlin 6 Gungahlin Homestead, Crace 8 Ginninderra Village, Nicholls 9 Thomas and Catherine Gribble’s House, Gungahlin 11 Girrawah Park, Ngunnawal 12 Crinigan’s Hut Ruin, Crinigan Park, Amaroo 13 Palmer Trigonometrical Station, Amaroo 14 Old Gundaroo Road, Gungahlin and Forde 15 More Cultural Heritage Sites 16 Aboriginal Stone Procurement Site, PH 12, Nicholls 16 Gold Creek Homestead, Ngunnawal 16 Malton, Amaroo 16 Site B, the remains of a small hut, Amaroo 16 Horse Park, Jacka/Bonner 17 Well Station Homestead Precinct, Harrison 17 Tea Gardens Homestead, Ngunnawal 17 Percival Hill Nature Reserve, Nicholls 18 Crace Grasslands Nature Reserve, Mitchell and Lyneham 21 Mulanggari Grasslands Nature Reserve, Gungahlin 23 Mulligans Flat and Goorooyarroo Nature Reserves 25 Gungaderra Grasslands Nature Reserve, Crace 31 Gungahlin Hill Nature Reserve, Crace 32 Field Guide 33 Nature Reserves of Gungahlin Map 40 Useful Contacts Back cover

How to use this guide This guide provides residents and visitors with a useful reference to some of the many cultural and natural treasures of the Gungahlin region. It describes places where you can get exercise, find a great view, see beautiful plants and animals and reflect upon the region’s history. The sites featured in the guide have been ordered so that it is easy to travel from one site to the next. Maps and information within the guide describe how to find and explore a site and explain why it should be treasured. For many sites, additional information is available at the Our Gungahlin Environment website – www.ourenvironment.org.au – or at the Canberra Archaeological Society Website – www.cas.asn.au

3 4HE #ULTURAL (ERITAGE OF 'UNGAHLIN

The cultural heritage of the area we now call Gungahlin tells of the interaction of people with the land for at least 20,000 years. Cultural heritage is valued, conserved and protected because of its tangible link to a time past. Sites with special associations with communities, social groups, families or individuals allow us to learn about their part in the history of the Gungahlin area. Places, buildings, objects and spaces allow us to learn about distinctive ways of life, traditions and uses of land, as well as past social and economic structures. For at least 20,000 years, the local Aboriginal people lived in this area, a landscape predominantly covered by grasslands and grassy woodlands. This landscape provided plentiful resources for daily life in the natural springs, wetlands and the diversity of useful and edible plants and animals. The Aboriginal heritage of this region provides crucial information for understanding local traditions, customs and culture. Numerous sites provide evidence of the region’s Aboriginal settlement patterns, technological practices and land-use. The natural grasslands made this area very attractive to early European pastoral settlers. Native grasses, particularly kangaroo grass (Themeda australis), provided excellent fodder and allowed early grazing to flourish. Settlers received large grants of land for service to the fledgling government of the New South Wales colony, of which it was a part, or purchased tracts of land, sight unseen. George Thomas Palmer was the first European to take up a land grant in this part of colonial New South Wales. His grant included most of the present-day Gungahlin region. Palmer established ‘Palmerville’ or ‘Ginninderra Estate’ near Ginninderra Creek in about 1826. Assigned convicts worked on Palmer’s large estate, and many of them lived in small huts, strategically placed along Ginninderra Creek to protect Palmer’s water access and stock. In the early nineteenth century, English convicts, sentenced to transportation to Australia and assigned to work for private landholders, provided much of the labour-force in this area and in New South Wales generally. At this time, convicts made up more than a quarter of the colony’s population and the majority of convicts were assigned, particularly in areas such as this one, on the edges of settlement where there was a need for labour to clear land and build up the farming infrastructure.

Old Coach Road. KW

4 For good behaviour, a convict could be granted a ‘ticket of leave’ allowing them to work freely in any ‘lawful occupation’ within a defined district before they were granted a pardon or reached the end of their sentence. John Butler of ‘Malton’ and John Crinigan of ‘Crinigan’s Hut’ were two such convicts who worked for Palmer, obtained tickets of leave and became successful farmers in their own right. Reliant on Ginninderra Creek, many raised families here. Former convicts and free settlers, many of them immigrants, farmed land as tenants on the larger estates until 1861, when the Robertson Land Acts introduced ‘selection’, allowing smaller landholdings to be settled and farmed. Often those families continued to live in the area for many generations. The strength of the community continued to grow towards the turn of the century. Sporting and agricultural competitions, literary and ladies groups and schools were established. The first generation of Australian-born settlers were active members of this community. For example, John Butler’s son played with the Ginninderra Cricket Team in the 1870s, helped organise athletic sports near the Cricketer’s Arms in 1878 and won the first annual Ginninderra ploughing match in 1886. Social life and trade services flourished in Ginninderrra Village, a central meeting place in the area. As land was acquired between 1913 and 1915 for the creation of the nation’s capital, new jobs were created for surveyors and government officials. The Ginninderra Farmers’ Union however, founded ten years before and responsible for building a community hall and School of Arts, disbanded in 1916 as many members left the area when their land was taken over by the Federal Capital Commission. The town of Gungahlin was part of the 1957 plan for future development in the Australian Capital Territory and was officially launched as Canberra’s fourth ‘town’ by the ACT Government Chief Minister in 1991. Cultural and environmental surveys were undertaken in the early 1990s and the plans for the new town preserved many aspects of the area’s cultural heritage. The cultural heritage of Gungahlin has been preserved in different ways. For example, the Aboriginal stone procurement site at Girrawah Park, Ngunnawal, is preserved within a children’s playground, Gungahlin Homestead is maintained through continued use as an Australian Commonwealth Scientific and Research Organization (CSIRO) office and Crinigan’s Hut Ruin has been conserved as a public historic site. The land and history is now in your hands, to understand, look after and pass on to the next generation.

Old stockyards. KW

5 4HE .ATURAL(ERITAGE OF 'UNGAHLIN

Prior to European settlement, the landscape of the region now known as Gungahlin was covered by wetlands, creeks, grasslands and grassy woodlands. The advent of European pastoral settlement began a process of landscape change in the natural environment. Due to a lack of understanding of grasslands, pastoralists allowed overgrazing by stock which grazed on the most nutritious grasses and avoided other grasses such as native Speargrasses (Austrostipa spp.). This caused Speargrass species to dominate leading to a loss of biodiversity. As a result, pasture became less productive and ‘pasture improvement’ (i.e. the introduction of certain exotic grasses) became favoured. These practices changed the composition of much of the grasslands. Land clearing for fire wood, timber and cultivation led to the loss and degradation of woodlands. Towards the end of the nineteenth century, as farming was mechanised and the population grew, the natural wetlands, woodlands and grasslands disappeared at an increasing pace. European settlement brought introduced pest species to Australia: foxes which prey on native animals; rabbits which overgraze native grasslands; and invasive exotic plant species which compete with our native species. Loss of habitat and the introduction of pests led to the local extinction of many species. The continued presence of these pests in our landscape threatens the health of our natural environment to the present. The loss and degradation of grasslands and woodlands has escalated since Gungahlin was officially launched as Canberra’s fourth ‘town’ by the ACT Government Chief Minister in 1991. Further development ear-marked for the Gungahlin region has led to concerns amongst environmental groups such as the Conservation Council about the loss of habitat for many species featured in this guide. The Gungahlin region features two now endangered ecological communities, Yellow Box – Red Gum Grassy Woodlands and Natural Temperate Grasslands. Pockets of these communities are protected in Gungahlin’s nature reserves. Sadly, the health of these nature reserves is threatened by feral animals, over-grazing, invasive weeds and inappropriate fire regimes. We need to find innovative ways to protect and rehabilitate these reserves and other areas of remaining woodlands and grasslands.

Chocolate Lilies. PCL

6 -ULLIGANS &LAT AND 'OOROOYARROO .ATURE2ESERVES Heritage Significance Everlastings throwing the reserves into colour. Did you know that Mulligans Flat Most of the Gungahlin area has been also has native truffles? severely impacted by land use practices including clearing, pasture improvement From Mulligans Flat Car Park there is and cultivation. However, Mulligans Flat an easy walk which becomes steeper and Goorooyarroo Nature Reserves have towards the ridge. As you walk through escaped the severe disturbance that much the reserves you will be amazed by the of Gungahlin has suffered. The reserves frequent bird movement in the trees and contain numerous natural and cultural bushes. Mulligans Flat has been noted heritage features. by Canberra Ornithologist Group as one of the best bird watching sites in the Access Australian Capital Territory. Mulligans Flat Car Park is located on Amy On the northern side of Mulligans Flat Road, Ackman Street, Forde. Goorooyarroo there are sloping fields which contain one is south of Mulligans Flat and can be of the largest stands of Kangaroo Grass in accessed from Horse Park Drive. Parking the Australian Capital Territory. In the south- is available. For both reserves there are west of the reserve there is a quartz ridge well maintained tracks and trails. that follows the Gungahlin Fault Line. In both reserves there are dams with resident What can you do there? and migratory birds. These are excellent Walk. Ride bicycles on gravel roads. places to observe birds and animals Bird watching. No dogs. especially at dawn or dusk. You may even spot an Eastern Long-necked Tortoise! Description – Natural Heritage In both reserves you will be able to see The complex structure of woodlands Eastern Grey Kangaroos grazing quietly. provides a range of habitats. There are Keep an eye out in more bushy areas for trees of different ages (some with hollows), the shy Swamp Wallaby or Red Necked bushes and a ground layer of grasses, Wallaby. In high summer the secondary forbs, logs, rocks and water. Mulligans grasslands have active populations of Flat and Goorooyarroo are dominated by Golden Sun Moths. Kangaroo Grass and Wallaby Grass as well as open forest and woodland areas. You A dam at Goorooyarroo. PCL may come across large clumps of grass, usually Red Anther Wallaby Grass, which is associated with Stringybarks. During spring there are spectacular wildflower displays with Chocolate Lillies and Sticky

25 &IELD 'UIDE Insects Mammals Insects such as the species below are in severe decline due to loss and fragmentation of their grassland habitat.

Key’s Matchstick Grasshopper Keyacris scurra Once common. Now uncommon. Prefers areas of ungrazed Yellow Buttons and Kangaroo Grass.

PCL

Eastern Grey Kangaroo Macropus giganteus Very common. Often seen in large mobs. Can breed all year round but most births occur in

DR March to April. Graze grass, forbs, shrubs.

Perunga Grasshopper Perunga ochracea Vulnerable. Found in both Natural Temperate Grasslands and Yellow Box-Red Gum Grassy Woodlands. Feeds on forbs (a type of non-woody ﬂowering plant).

Swamp Wallaby Wallabia Bicolor Common only in suitable woodland areas. Solitary and very shy. Births occur mostly in TE Winter but can be all year round. Feeds mostly Golden Sun Moth Synemon plana on shrub foliage, ferns and some grasses. Endangered. Prefers the short Wallaby Grass. Threatened by habitat fragmentation due to development. Caterpillars feed on the roots of Wallaby Grass.

33 5SEFUL #ONTACTS

The Department of Territory and Municipal Services (TAMS) http://www.tams.act.gov.au/ or using Canberra Connect 13 22 81 for any information on the ACT’s parks and open spaces Conservation Council ACT Region www.ourenvironment.org.au for additional information on natural heritage features of the Gungahlin region Canberra Archaeological Society http://www.cas.asn.au/ for more information on Gungahlin’s cultural heritage ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Centre www.burringiri.org.au/ for more information on Gungahlin’s Aboriginal heritage Canberra Ornithologists Group http://canberrabirds.org.au/ for more information on the ACT’s birds Friends of Grasslands http://www.fog.org.au/ for more information on the ACT’s native grassy ecosystems Gungahlin Community Council http://www.gcc.asn.au/ for information on events and activities intended to preserve and improve the social, cultural, economic and environmental well being of Gungahlin and the Gungahlin community Gungahlin Regional Community Service http://www.grcs.org.au/ for information on a range of community services including community development, family and community support, home and community care, school aged care and youth programmes Pedal Power http://www.pedalpower.org.au/ for information on cycling in the ACT region

Injured Wildlife Contacts RSPCA ACT www.rspca-act.org.au 6287 8113 (business hours) 0413 495 031 (after hours) for advice on injured wildlife Canberra Connect 13 22 81 for advice on injured kangaroos www.consact.org.au MAJURA’S TREASURES

A GUIDE TO INTERPRETING THE REGION’S HERITAGE Majura’s Treasures reveals the hidden, the interesting and the beautiful in one easy-to-use guide !"#$%"&'()%*"'$%*'(+( ,-*%-.*/(!"0

8 2 CONTENTS

Map of Majura Region ...... 2

Protecting Our Treasures ...... 3

THE HERITAGE OF MOUNT MAJURA AND REGION ...... 5

Mount Majura...... 6

Mount Ainslie ...... 8

Geological features ...... 10

Aboriginal history ...... 11

Early European settlement ...... 13

Vegetation ...... 15

Wildlife ...... 19

Enjoying Mount Majura and region ...... 22

Justice Robert Hope Park or Watson Woodlands...... 27

Campbell Park Woodland ...... 29

COMMUNITY GROUPS ...... 31

FIELD GUIDE ...... 33

PHOTO CREDITS ...... 39

USEFUL CONTACTS ...... 40

8 4 MOUNT MAJURA

Signiﬁcance and Description Access At 888 metres, Mt Majura is the highest The reserve can be accessed from peak in suburban Canberra. Its origin Mackenzie, Tay, Rivett and Jukes streets dates back millions of years and is the and from the corner of Antill Street, result of violent volcanic activity. Today, the Federal Highway and Ian Nicholls Street. forested ridges and the grassy woodlands of the lower west slopes of Mt Majura are What can you do there? preserved in the Mt Majura Nature Reserve. There are many activities you can enjoy The reserve covers an area of approximately in the Mt Majura Nature Reserve. These 481 hectares of remnant vegetation and is include bushwalking, jogging, bike riding, one of over 32 reserves that form Canberra horse riding or just observing the plants Nature Park. Canberra Nature Park is and animals including birdwatching. Dogs managed by the ACT Government through are allowed only on leash to minimise Parks and Conservation Service and is disturbance to plants and animals. greatly assisted by groups of volunteers. It provides habitat for a wide range of wildlife, including a number of threatened species, as well as various opportunities for Snapshot recreation. Natural Though Mt Majura is protected by virtue s #RITICALLY ENDANGERED 9ELLOW "OXn of its status as a nature reserve, there Red Gum Grassy Woodland are a number of issues that threaten its s ! SMALL AREA OF 3NOW 'UMn#ANDLE ecological and recreational integrity. Bark Tableland Woodland Current and signiﬁcant threats include: woody and herbaceous weeds introduced s %NDANGERED #ANBERRA 3PIDER /RCHID through suburban gardens, nearby s %NDANGERED (OARY 3UNRAY paddocks or garden waste dumping; s 3TANDS OF $ROOPING 3HE OAK increased pressure from pest species; provide an important habitat for the for example, rabbits, hares, foxes and threatened Glossy Black-Cockatoo feral cats; overgrazing by rabbits and s (ABITAT FOR SEVERAL THREATENED AND kangaroos; walking and mountain bike declining woodland bird species riding on illegal tracks; off-leash dogs; and s &OSSIL OUTCROPS ON THE LOWER NORTH general littering. Local volunteers (Friends west slopes including corals, of Mount Majura), however, are working hard to alleviate some of these threats. trilobites and brachiopods View from Mount Majura. (SB) Cultural s 0LACE OF SIGNIlCANCE FOR !BORIGINAL people s !REAS OF +URRAJONG AND $ROOPING She-oak planted before 1920 s 0RE POST AND RAIL FENCE s 3IGNS OF POSSIBLE SURVEY MARKS and ring barked trees

7 ABORIGINAL HISTORY

Mt Majura and Mt Ainslie have been places of signiﬁcance for Aboriginal people for thousands of years. The environment provided food, water clans who lived in fairly specific and shelter to Aboriginal people localities and were bounded by the while inspiring and deﬁning cultural broad language groups of Wiradjuri, and spiritual connections. Ngarigo, Walgalu, Gundungurra and Yuin. The Australian Capital Territory and the city of Canberra are located within the tribal boundary of Ngunawal country. Aboriginal sites reveal the history of Scientific evidence proves that the Aboriginal people. The landscape tells Ngunawal people have lived here a very important story to Aboriginal for more than 21,000 years. By people who understand the land. managing the resources of the land, Aboriginal people see food sources the Ngunawal people have lived in and medicinal plant species; important this area for what is arguably one of sites or good camping areas; the longest periods of continuous landscape changes such as soil colour, habitation anywhere on Earth. plant species, rivers, mountains and To access areas of significance such as the cultural aspects of prominent Mt Majura and Mt Ainslie, significant natural features, as formed long ago pathways were formed. Pathways were by our creator Budjabulya. the means of access across the region Aboriginal sites can be found all over and, in the case of the highpoints of the landscape, along river banks and the Majura valley, a physical and visual tracks, on open plains and in dense link to major spiritual and gathering forests. Different environments and places. cultural practices produce different Mt Majura and Mt Ainslie are types of sites. Aboriginal sites can recognised as a major pathway that include ceremonial areas, natural linked the Yarr people of the Yass area sacred sites, occupation sites, with the major meeting site at what Aboriginal scarred trees, rock art, is now the site of Parliament House. burial sites, story sites, massacre sites This pathway linked with the Pialligo and missions. This knowledge is held plains which in turn linked with the by Aboriginal people as part of their other major pathway from the coast oral history and it must be respected that certain aspects such as sacred/ Bogong Moths were an important source ceremonial sites cannot be divulged of protein and fat for Aboriginal people in under cultural lore. this region. (JW) The local Aboriginal tribe, the Ngunawal peoples, consists of seven

11 COMMUNITY GROUPS

A number of volunteer community Community Council and the Hackett groups work tirelessly to protect Community Association. and rehabilitate degraded parts of these nature reserves. They also host Mount Ainslie Weeders activities such as guided walks – a Mount Ainslie Weeders ParkCare group great way to learn about and enjoy has been working in the Nature Reserve these special places. since 1988. For many years, the group These groups work in conjunction concentrated on removing large stands with the ACT Parks and Conservation of woody weeds such as Cotoneaster, Service, which provides chemicals, tools, Hawthorn, Privet and Blackberry which training and advice to the volunteers. have been dumped by householders or dispersed from seeds eaten by birds. As Friends of Mount Majura (FoMM) a result of their hard work these weeds The FoMM ParkCare group was formed are much less prevalent. in 2003 in response to concerns about In 2008, the Weeders combined with the severe degradation of Mt Majura’s Friends of Mount Majura to revegetate Grassy Woodlands. FoMM aims to the old Ainslie tip. More recently the preserve and enhance the natural and focus has been on keeping the new cultural heritage of Mt Majura and seedlings watered during the ﬁrst lobbies for better management of couple of years, protecting them the reserve. The group hosts regular from rabbits and kangaroos with wire activities including interpretive walks guards, reducing weeds on the site and such as the popular ant walk. encouraging native groundcover. The FoMM works in partnership with the ACT Government, is afﬁliated with The group meets for regular monthly the Molonglo Catchment Group and work sessions, and bird and tree walks supported by the North Canberra also take place several times a year. Blue Gum Community School planting crew on Mt Majura. (WP)

31 The Field Guide describes a small selection of the plants and animals that are likely to be found in Mount FIELD GUIDE Majura and region.

Birds Speckled Warbler Pyrrholaemus sagittata Southern Boobook or Mopoke Vulnerable Ninox novaeseelandiae DC (NSW). DC Most common Sedentary, social and smallest of in small family the Australian groups, nests owls; nocturnal, and feeds on not often ground; song is seen; presence sweet musical recognised by chatter. At risk its ‘mopoke’ call from foxes, cats at night. and habitat degradation. Gang-gang Cockatoo Callocephalon ﬁmbriatum Glossy Black-Cockatoo Calyptorhynchus lathami GD Vulnerable (NSW). Quiet, DC Vulnerable migratory, (ACT and NSW). spends summer Seasonal visitor in forested to ACT. The mountains, Mt Majura/Mt visits Canberra Ainslie area is in winter; an important female all grey, foraging area. male (shown They need a here) grey with variety of red head. She-oaks for food, and mature trees with large hollows for nesting. Their Noisy Miner habitat has been reduced by clearing Manorina melanocephala for farming, logging, ﬁrewood collection, urbanization and burning. What remains GD Common honeyeater; has been fragmented into scattered lives in a close, patches. Much tree re-planting is needed. organised community, Laughing Kookaburra territorial, Dacelo novaeguineae aggressive. They SB Common, but call to each other has declined frequently with from loss and loud voices. changing habitat; familiar loud laughing voice; need tree hollows for nesting.

33 Other books in the Treasures of the ACT Region series

TUGGERANONG’S TREASURES

A GUIDE TO INTERPRETING THE REGION’S HERITAGE Tuggeranong’s Treasures reveals the hidden, the interesting and the beautiful in one easy-to-use Guide

This project was supported with funding made available under the ACT Heritage Grants Program

Tuggeranong Treasures_40pp_v2.indd 1 21/03/13 6:46 PM Gungahlin’s Treasures Belconnen’s Treasures Tuggeranong’s Treasures

To order a copy of Gungahlin’s Treasures, Belconnen’s Treasures or Tuggeranong’s Treasures please contact the Conservation Council ACT Region on (02) 6229 3200 or visit www.conservationcouncil.org.au

Photo Credits

Cover Page Glossy Black-Cockatoo – Geoffrey Dabb Canberra Spider Orchid – Waltraud Pix Mount Majura – Steve Bittinger Tree hollow made by an axe – Waltraud Pix

Internals

Ajay Narendra (AN) John Fitz Gerald (JFG) Andrew Palmer-Brodie (APB) John Tann (JT) Anke Maria Hoefer (AMF) Julie Lindner (JL) Barrie Ridgway (BR) Kevin McQueen (KM) David Cook (DC) Michael Gordon (MG) Fanny Karouta (FK) Naomi Langmore (NL) Geoff Robertson (GR) Rainer Rehwinkel (RR) Geoffrey Dabb (GD) Sarah Sharp (SS) Graham Stephinson (GS) Steve Bittinger (SB) Jennie Widdowson (JW) Tristan Armstrong (TA) John Evans (JE) Waltraud Pix (WP)

39 USEFUL CONTACTS

Conservation Council ACT Region www.conservationcouncil.org.au Department of Territory and Municipal Services (TAMS) www.tams.act.gov.au or phone Canberra Connect on 13 22 81 for any information on the ACT’s parks and open spaces Molonglo Catchment Group www.molonglocatchment.com.au for information on local ParkCare groups North Canberra Community Council www.northcanberra.org.au for information on activities for the local community Friends of Mount Majura www.majura.org for more information on events and activities at Mount Majura Nature Reserve Watson Woodlands Working Group www.northcanberra.org.au/watson-woodlands-working-group-2 for information on Watson Woodlands Canberra Ornithologists Group www.canberrabirds.org.au for more information on the ACT’s birds ACT Herpetological Association www.actha.org.au for more information on the ACT’s reptiles ACT and Region Frogwatch Program www.ginninderralandcare.org.au/frogwatch for more information on the ACT’s frogs Geological Society of Australia www.gsa.org.au/divisions/act.html for more information on the ACT’s geology Aboriginal Culture & Land Management Services www.thunderstone.net.au or www.ngunawal.com.au for more information on the ACT’s Aboriginal heritage Canberra Bushwalking Club www.canberrabushwalkingclub.org for information on bushwalking in the ACT Region National Parks Association of the ACT www.npaact.org.au for ﬁeld guides on ACT Birds, Reptiles & Frogs, Trees and Orchids

Injured Wildlife Contacts Canberra Connect 13 22 81 for advice on injured wildlife www.conservationcouncil.org.au !"#$%&'()*

TUGGERANONG’S TREASURES

A GUIDEGUIDE TO INTERPRETINGINTERPRETING THETHE REGREGION’SION HERITAGE Tuggeranong’s Treasures reveals the hidden, the interesting and the beautiful in one easy-to-use Guide

This project was supported with funding made available under the ACT Heritage Grants Program

Tuggeranong Treasures_40pp_v2.indd 1 21/03/13 6:46 PM CONTENTS

Map of Heritage Sites ...... 2

Protecting Our Treasures ...... 4

The Heritage of Tuggeranong...... 6

CULTURAL HERITAGE SITES ...... 7

Kambah Woolshed ...... 8

Sacred Heart Church, Calwell ...... 9

Tuggeranong Schoolhouse, Chisholm ...... 10

Rose Cottage, Gilmore ...... 11

Tuggeranong Homestead, Richardson ...... 12

Grinding Grooves, Theodore ...... 13

The Goulburn-Cooma Railway ...... 14

Lanyon Homestead ...... 15

Tharwa Village ...... 16

NATURAL HERITAGE SITES ...... 18

Important Ecological Communities ...... 19

Cooleman Ridge Nature Reserve ...... 20

Urambi Hills Nature Reserve ...... 22

Tuggeranong Hill Nature Reserve ...... 24

Wanniassa Hills Nature Reserve ...... 26

Farrer Ridge Nature Reserve ...... 28

Mount Taylor Nature Reserve ...... 30

Murrumbidgee River Corridor – Southern End ...... 32

FIELD GUIDE ...... 35

PHOTO CREDITS ...... 39

Tuggeranong Treasures_40pp_v2.indd 5 21/03/13 6:46 PM THE HERITAGE OF TUGGERANONG

The Tuggeranong Valley is home to some of the oldest cultural sites and most beautiful natural places in Canberra. For thousands of years, Aboriginal people migrated to Tuggeranong to feast upon Bogong Moths leaving behind numerous artefacts and cultural sites. The valleys were home to diverse native grassland dotted with Yellow Box, Red Gum and Red Box eucalypts. The hills surrounding the valley were more forested, showcasing dramatic Scribbly Gums and Red Stringybarks. Many birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians and insects can be found throughout the region. With the coming of European settlers in the 1820s the landscape began to change. New species of plants and animals were introduced and lands were cleared for grazing. Several homesteads were built and the ACT’s oldest settlement, Tharwa, was established. Today Canberrans and visitors enjoy the remnants of this rich natural and cultural heritage. We hope that this Guide to Tuggeranong’s Treasures will help you bike, bushwalk, birdwatch, swim, picnic and take photographs in the valley to your heart’s content. Enjoy and respect these special places.

Visitor to Red Rocks Gorge RPB

ACT Heritage Register The ACT Heritage Register is a list of places and objects with spiritual, cultural, ecological or evolutionary significance. These places and objects are protected under the Heritage Act 2004. A copy of the register is available at www.environment.act.gov.au/heritage/heritage_register

8 6

Tuggeranong Treasures_40pp_v2.indd 6 21/03/13 6:46 PM Listed on the ACT Heritage Register since 2004 LANYON HOMESTEAD

Signi!cance Description Lanyon sits at the heart of an evocative Lanyon re#ects a continuum of history, ACT region landscape of great natural from thousands of years of Aboriginal beauty known as ‘The Lanyon Bowl’. occupation to 180 years of European The heritage precinct and surrounds settlement. The homestead, gardens and are signi!cant for the combination of outbuildings illustrate di"erent eras of the surviving Aboriginal heritage sites, building and development on the site. the homestead and its rural structures, However, since European settlement, the the gardens and plantings. The pastoral continuity of pastoral use on the property landscape and historical archaeological has remained unbroken. features provide exceptional evidence of The history of Lanyon illustrates major the layering of history. events in Australia’s history: exploration, Access convict life, bushrangers, boom and bust in the wool industry, drought, economic Travelling from the suburbs of Canberra, depression, federation and war. These turn right at the ‘Lanyon’ sign on Tharwa major events are revealed on a personal Drive. scale through the families who owned the property and the stories of the people What can you do there? who lived and worked there. Advances Guided or self-guided tours are available. in technology and farming techniques, There are also picnic sites and a café. changes in design and fashionable taste Community programs are on o"er for all are evident in the homestead and the ages throughout the year. surrounding gardens and paddocks. The homestead and café are open Tuesday Much of the architectural detail of the to Sunday 10:00am-4:00pm. There is Homestead remains unchanged since an entry fee to the homestead. Entry 1859, and has been sensitively conserved to the garden is free. For bookings and and furnished. Original out-buildings information phone (02) 6235 5677 or visit clustered near the homestead include a www.museumsandgalleries.act.gov.au/ kitchen, cellar, laundry, workers’ barracks, lanyon meat house and dairy, stables, harness room and blacksmith’s shop. Lanyon Homestead PW

Tuggeranong Treasures_40pp_v2.indd 15 21/03/13 6:47 PM ,-)#('("./-&'#"()&%'&%0%&1%

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KAMBAH Canberra Nature Park (02) 6207 2087 0 65 130 260 390 520 Canberra Connect 13 22 81 Legend Meters !"#$%&&"' Website: www.tams.act.gov.au Walking trail Summit/Trig point

#"()&% Management trail Pedestrian access *"&+ Equestrian trail Reservoir DOGS MUST BE ON A LEAD. This Nature Reserve is not a Disclaimer: ACT Government does not warrant that the data is free from errors. Equestrian Access designated dog exercise area Data Copyright: Australian Capital Territory, Canberra 2007.

8 30

Tuggeranong Treasures_40pp_v2.indd 30 21/03/13 6:47 PM MOUNT TAYLOR NATURE RESERVE

Signi!cance Description Mount Taylor was formed by volcanic The work of ACT Parks and Conservation activity millions of years ago. At 865 Service (PCS) together with the Mount Taylor metres, it dominates the skyline in the Parkcare Group over the past 23 years has north of the Tuggeranong Valley. Once resulted in revegetation with trees, beautiful nearly devoid of vegetation as a result of a spring !ower displays, birdwatching century of grazing, it is now a site of great opportunities and the development of biodiversity. Several endangered species ongoing scienti"c research. The continual are found within the reserve including weeding e#orts of the local Parkcare group the Pink-tailed Worm Lizard. The site has have successfully replaced exotic species been nominated for inclusion on the ACT with abundant native grasses and shrubs. Heritage Register for the habitat it provides This striking mountain is now a treasure to the threatened Small Purple Pea. of great plant and animal diversity. There are at least eight eucalypt species, along Access with many Kurrajongs, Black Cypress Pines Mount Taylor is surrounded by six suburbs. and Drooping She-oaks. Wildlife includes Car parking is available on Sulwood kangaroos, echidnas, large ant colonies and Athllon Drives, and in Waldock Street, and a good range of birds. The stands of Chi!ey. Most of the suburbs have walkway Drooping She-oak on Mount Taylor were links to the mountain. There are well- burnt in the 2003 bush"res but new trees de"ned tracks around the base of the have regenerated from seed. mountain. Access to the summit is via the Small Purple Pea Swainsona recta Al concrete path on the south-eastern side, the zigzag track on the north side, and the northern "re trail o# the Waldock Street car park. What can you do there? Bushwalking. Running. Orienteering. Wildlife watching. Flower appreciation.

Mount Taylor Al

Tuggeranong Treasures_40pp_v2.indd 31 21/03/13 6:47 PM Shrubs and Trees Plant and Animal Pests

Small-fruited Hakea Hakea microcarpa African Love Grass Eragrostis curvula MB Relatively common. Very common. Invasive and drought Grows to 2m tall, tolerant, it takes over large areas. with prickly SS needle-shaped leaves. Produces a mass of fragrant "owers in spring.

Pale Pomaderris Pomaderris pallida Chilean Needle Grass Nassella neesiana MB Threatened. Leaves Common, spreading rapidly within ACT. elliptical to 10 mm, Invasive coloniser of damp areas; perennial "owers creamy dense, green tussock. yellow. Occurs in several places in RR the Tuggeranong area.

St John’s Wort Hypericum perforatum Common. Flowers in spring to early River She-oak Casuarina cunninghamiana summer, growing on sti! branches to 1m. VT Common along Moves into natural areas. Creates dense Murrumbidgee patches, competing with native "ora. River. A tall tree with BR long, thin, needle- like leaves.

Red Box Eucalyptus polyanthemos Common Myna Sturnus tristis MB Common. A medium sized tree A serious threat to our native fauna. They to 20 metres, with take over the nesting hollows of native blue-grey rounded birds and prey on small lizards and insects. leaves. Backyard trapping GD has removed many thousands of mynas from the Tuggeranong Valley.

8 38

Tuggeranong Treasures_40pp_v2.indd 38 21/03/13 6:47 PM Other Booklets in this Series

Gungahlin’s Treasures Belconnen’s Treasures

5SEFUL #ONTACTS ACT REGION Conservation Council ACT Region www.ourenvironment.org.au for additional ACT REGION information on natural heritage features of the Belconnen region Canberra Archaeological Society http://www.cas.asn.au/ for more information on Belconnen’s cultural heritage ´S National Trust of Australia ACT http://www.nationaltrustact.org.au for more ´S 'UNGAHLIN information on Belconnen’s cultural heritage "ELCONNEN ACT Heritage Register http://www.cmd.act.gov.au/heritage/act_heritage_register 4RE A SURE S for information on registered heritage sites 4RE A SURE S The Department of Territory and Municipal Services (TAMS) http://www.tams.act.gov.au/ or using Canberra Connect 13 22 81 for information on ACT parks and open spaces ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Centre www.burringiri.org.au/ for more information on Belconnen’s Aboriginal heritage Canberra Ornithologists Group http://canberrabirds.org.au/ for more information on the ACT’s birds Friends of Grasslands http://www.fog.org.au/ for more information on the ACT’s native grassy ecosystems Landcare http://actlandcare.org.au/ for more information on local Park Care Groups Belconnen Community Council http://belcouncil.org.au/ for information on events and activities for the local community

Injured Wildlife Contacts RSPCA ACT www.rspca-act.org.au 6287 8113 (business hours) 0413 495 031 (after hours) for advice on injured wildlife Canberra Connect 13 22 81 for advice on injured kangaroos

Further Reading Eddy, D., Mallinson, D, Rehwinkel, R., Sharp, S. Grassland Flora. ACT, 1998 Gillepsie LL 1992 Gininderra Forerunner to Canberra, The Wizard Local History Series

A GUIDE TO INTERPRETING THE REGION’S HERITAGE A GUIDE TO INTERPRETING THE REGION’S HERITAGE Gungahlin’s Treasures reveals the hidden,www.consact.org.au the interesting and Belconnen’s Treasures reveals the hidden, the interesting the beautiful in one easy-to-use guide and the beautiful in one easy-to-use guide

This project was assisted through This project was funding made assisted through available by the ACT funding made available Government under by the ACT Heritage the ACT Heritage Grants Program Grants Program

To order a copy of Gungahlin’s Treasures or Belconnen’s Treasures: Please contact the Conservation Council ACT Region (02) 6229 3200 www.conservationcouncil.org.au

Photo Credits

Front Cover Wedge-tailed Eagle - Geo!rey Dabb Nodding Blue Lily - Wendy Rainbird View from Cooleman Ridge - Barrie Ridgway Tuggeranong Homestead - Paul Hagon

Internals Allan Coates (AC) Anne l’Ons (Al) Andrew Palmer-Brodie (APB) Bron King (BK) Barrie Ridgway (BR) David Cook (DC) Geo! Robertson (GR) Geo!rey Dabb (GD) Glenn Schwinghamer (GS) Ian Fraser (IF) Janet Edstein (JE) Jennie Widdowson (JWi) Jenny Hors"eld (JH) Joan Broadberry (JB) John Evans (JEv) John McAuli!e (JM) John Wombey (JW) Michael Beding"eld (MB) Mark Jekabsons (MJ) Pat Ryan (PR) Paul Webb (PW) Rebecca Lamb (RL) Rebecca Palmer-Brodie (RPB) Reiner Rehwinkel (RR) Sarah Sharp (SS) Tammy Lee (TL) Victoria Tanner (VT) Wendy Rainbird (WR)

Tuggeranong Treasures_40pp_v2.indd 39 21/03/13 6:47 PM USEFUL CONTACTS

Conservation Council ACT Region http://www.conservationcouncil.org.au for additional information on natural heritage features of the Tuggeranong Region Territory and Municipal Services (TAMS) http://www.tams.act.gov.au/ or phone Canberra Connect 13 22 81 for any information on the ACT’s parks and reserves ACT Heritage Register http://www.environment.act.gov.au/heritage/heritage_register for information on registered heritage sites Southern ACT Catchment Group http://sactcg.org.au/ for information on local Parkcare groups Tuggeranong Community Council http://www.tuggcc.com/ for information and activities for the local community Canberra Ornithologists Group http://canberrabirds.org.au/ for more information on the ACT’s birds The ACT Herpetological Association http://www.actha.org.au/ for more information on the ACT’s reptiles and frogs Friends of Grasslands http://www.fog.org.au/ for more information on the ACT’s native grassy ecosystems ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Centre http://www.dhcs.act.gov.au/atsia/cultural_centre for more information on the ACT’s Aboriginal heritage Canberra Archaeological Society http://www.cas.asn.au/ for more information on Tuggeranong’s cultural heritage Canberra Bushwalking Club http://www.canberrabushwalkingclub.org for information on bushwalking in the ACT Region

Injured Wildlife Contacts Canberra Connect 13 22 81 for advice on injured wildlife

www.conservationcouncil.org.au

Tuggeranong Treasures_40pp_v2.indd 40 21/03/13 6:47 PM

8 Living next to Nature

Being a good neighbour to the bush next door 8 Ways To Be a Good Neighbour

to the bush next door

1. Plant a bush garden 2. See nature in new places Planting native species in your garden will encourage birds and Plants and animals live in butterflies to visit your garden. all sorts of places, even Adding rocks, logs and ponds will outside nature reserves. also make your garden an inviting It is important that we home for lizards and frogs. protect them by respecting rural properties and creating nature friendly parks and gardens.

4. Visit your local reserve 5. Plant a tree

Exploring your local bush or grassland is a great Trees, especially large mature ones, way to have fun, get fit and learn more about the are a key part of the landscape. environment. Just remember to minimise your They provide shelter, food and impact as much as possible by walking or cycling breeding sites for many different only on suitable paths, taking your rubbish home plants and animals. Planting a tree, with you and by not collecting firewood, bush rocks, or looking after a large mature one, plants or animals. helps to make sure that we will still have big trees in the future.

7. Join a ParkCare group

to the bush next door

3. Watch your water 2. See nature in new placesCaptions for pics on opposite page (can we get one of a Superb Creeks and rivers are very sensitive to pollutants Plants and animals live in The Forde development adjacent to theor Mulligan’schanges in Flat water NR, allowed flow. You for manycan help maintain all sorts of places, even their quality by using eco-friendly cleaning supplies, outside nature reserves. large eucalypts to be retained within parkland or within treed walking paths (corridors) linking to the nature reserve.minimising concrete in your garden and filtering It is important that we storm water through rain gardens. You can also protect them by respecting reduce the amount of water you use with waterwise rural properties and plants, mulch, rainwater tanks and shorter showers. creating nature friendly parks and gardens. The Crace design is regarded as having poor outcomes for biodiversity as a large number of mature trees on site were destroyed.

5. Plant a tree 6. Reduce the flames Trees, especially large mature ones, are a key part of the landscape. The ACT has a long history of They provide shelter, food and bushfires. You can help reduce breeding sites for many different risk by keeping your garden plants and animals. Planting a tree, well maintained or by joining a or looking after a large mature one, Community Fire Unit. helps to make sure that we will still have big trees in the future.

The Gungaderra Heritage Lane in Harrison is a good example of retaining mature trees along a creek line and old heritage road, which functions as a movement corridor for Superb Parrots and other wildlife. 8. Keep your pets contained

Protect your pet and local wildlife by keeping dogs on leash and cats in backyards or inside your homes at all times, including during the day. Dogs and cats can easily become injured or lost in the bush. Free-roaming cats and dogs also scare and kill local wildlife, even if they are well-trained or have bells.

Being a good neighbour to the bush 1 The beautiful Canberra Spider Orchid grows only in the Majura Region, close to the suburbs of Watson, Hackett and Ainslie (photo: Waltraud Pix)

Contributors This project was supported with funding made available under the ACT Environment Grants program and by the Village Building Company.

We would also like to acknowledge the generous help of the following people and organisations: The Conservation Council ACT Region - Rebecca Palmer-Brodie, Yvonne Best, Clare Henderson, John Hibberd, Friends of Grasslands - Sarah Sharp, The Australian National University - David Shorthouse, National Parks Association of the ACT - Christine Goonrey, Rod Griffiths, Clive Hurlstone, Canberra Ornithologists Group – Jenny Bounds, Friends of Aranda Bushland – Ian Falconer, Friends of Mount Majura – Waltraud Pix, Molonglo Catchment Group – Anna See, Bush on the Boundary North Watson, Bush on the Boundary Molonglo, Bush on the Boundary Gungahlin. Text, Design and Layout Copyright © The Conservation Council ACT Region Inc. October 2013 ISBN: 978-0-9874444-3-1 Post: GPO Box 544, Canberra ACT 2601 Phone: (02) 6229 3200 or Email: [email protected] Website: www.conservationcouncil.org.au ABN: 68 248 339 828 Cover Images National Tree Day - Andrew Palmer-Brodie, Superb Parrot- Geoffrey Dabb, Contained Cat - Catnip, Gungaderra Creek Pond - Rob Thorman, ACT Rural Bushfire Service - Garry Hooker, Grassland Earless Dragon - Wendy Diamond. Disclaimer Every effort has been made to ensure that the information in this publication is accurate at the time of printing. The Conservation Council ACT Region accepts no responsibilities resulting from changes to management, scientific understanding, planning and legislation or loss resulting from the use of this booklet. 2 Living next to Nature Being a good neighbour

to the bush next door Living Captions for picsnext on opposite pageto (can we get one of a Superb

The Forde development adjacent to the Mulligan’s Flat NR, allowed for many large eucalypts to be retained within parkland or within treed walking paths (corridors) linking to theNature nature reserve.

The Crace design is regarded as having poor outcomes for biodiversity as a large numberBeing of a matureGood treesNeighbour on site were to the destroyed. bush next door...... 4 Backyard Habitats stepping stones for plants and animals...... 6 Weeds stop them at the source...... 8 Cats and Dogs keeping your pet safe ...... 10 Out and About enjoying nature ...... 12 Fire stopping the spread ...... 14 Large Mature Trees supporting plants and animals...... 16 Water going with the flow...... 18 Beyond the Fence nature outside reserves...... 20 TheWhat Gungaderra can I do?Heritage Lane in Harrison is a good example of retaining mature trees along a creek line and old heritage road, which functions as a movement corridor In thefor SuperbGarden Parrots ...... and other wildlife. 22 In the Bush ...... 23 In the Community ...... 24

Being a good neighbour to the bush 3 Being a good neighbour Livingnext to to the bush next door

Being a good neighbour to the bush

This booklet is your guide to being a good neighbour to the bush. It covers some of the key issues arising from people living next to nature. You can also photo: Rebecca Palmer-Brodie find handy hints and tips for actions that The Bush Capital you can take in your backyard, in the reserves and in your community. Canberrans are fortunate to have a wealth of bush and grassland right next door. These places make Canberra ‘The Bush Capital’ and a great place to be outdoors and get to know nature. Unfortunately, this closeness between people and nature can threaten the places we love and the plants and animals that photo: Andrew Palmer-Brodie live within them. Our Fragile Environment

When new suburbs are first built, they can have highly visible impacts on the environment such as the destruction of habitat. Existing suburbs have more subtle impacts that can be very damaging photo: Andrew Palmer-Brodie over time. These impacts range from cats hunting wildlife to garden plants Making a Difference becoming weeds. When these impacts combine, they put stress on local Living next to nature gives us a environments and make them more wonderful opportunity to enjoy and learn sensitive to shock events like bushfire. about the world we live in. It is also a great chance to make a real difference right next door. Plants and animals do not recognise boundaries such as reserve fences. They live, eat and breed in backyards, along roadways, in parks and on farms. Everyone can make small changes, which make big differences to photo: Kathy Eyles the bush next door. 4 Living next to Nature Being a good neighbour next to Nature to the bush next door

If you are interested in finding out more about

the issues in this booklet, download “Managing

the Urban Edge” from the Conservation

Kilometers Captions for pics on opposite page (can we get one of a Superb 3 Council ACT Region’s website.

www.conservationcouncil.org.au

The Forde development adjacent to the Mulligan’s Flat NR, allowed for many This discussion paper includes principles, case Data provided by theACT Government. The data is not necessarily free of errors

large eucalypts to be retained within parkland or within treedM awalkingnag paths 2 ing t h studies and recommendations designed to e U rban (corridors) linking to the nature reserve. E dge G u i d e l i n e s t o h e l p d e c i s i o n - m a k e r s

guide the policy and planning of suburbs near p r o t e c t l o c a l e c o l o g i c a l v a l u e s

bushland and grassland.

Map projection: GDA 1994 MGA Zone 55

The Crace design is regarded as having poor outcomes for biodiversity as a large 0.5

number of mature trees on site were destroyed.

The principles and experiences behind this book have arisen from past experiences in designing and managing suburbs near areas with high environmental value.

Bush on the Boundary reference groups meet regularly to discuss the protection# and enhancement of environmental values in the design of new suburbs. They include members from government,

Threatened bird record Perunga Grasshopper record 650m Contour Future urban area - approximate boundary Reserve Box Gum Woodland

Golden Sun Moth habitat Natural Temperate Grassland Striped Legless Lizard habitat Lowland woodland (partially modified)

Lowland woodland (moderately modified)

# Secondary grassland

Substantially & Severely modified woodland vegetation developers, academic institutions and community Legendgroups.

(above photo: David Wong, below photo: Yvonne Best) # # ·

Being a good neighbour to the bush 5 Backyard habitats Livingnext to stepping stones for plants and animals

Connecting nature Plants and animals need access to many different things to survive. Animals need to be able to find homes, food, water and other animals to mate with. Similarly, plants need to be able to distribute their pollen and spread their seed. Every animal and plant needs different things to survive and has different ways of reaching them. For example, some birds can fly long distances to hunt for small Building a frog pond or adding logs and rocks animals, while others hop around in a to your landscaping is a great way to attract small area looking for seeds. frogs and lizards such as this Blue Tongue. Connectivity is the idea that plants and (photo: Joe McAuliffe) animals are connected to all the things Dividing the landscape they need in order to survive. If they lose these connections, plants or animals As our urban areas expand, backyards, become isolated and their habitat is roads and other infrastructure can considered fragmented. interrupt these important connections, leaving plants and animals unable to access everything they need to survive. This can lead to changes in populations, often making them too large or too small for the area. Fragmented populations are more vulnerable to disturbances such as fire, weeds and roaming pets. These changes can result in unhealthy and unviable environments. As Canberra grows, it is important to ensure our parks and reserves do not Spiky flowering plants like this Grevillea are become further isolated from each other great food for birds and also protect them from so that our local plants and animals neighbourhood cats. (photo: Brian Walters) can continue to move across the whole landscape.

6 Living next to Nature Backyard Habitats next to Nature stepping stones for plants and animals

Captions for pics on opposite page (can we get one of a Superb

The Forde development adjacent to the Mulligan’s Flat NR, allowed for many large eucalypts to be retained within parkland or within treed walking paths (corridors) linking to the nature reserve.

The Crace design is regarded as having poor outcomes for biodiversity as a large number of mature trees on site were destroyed.

Native gardens are low maintenance, waterwise and irressistible to wildlife. (photo: Yvonne Best)

What can I do?

• Plant native species in your garden and nature strip. Birds and animals will be able to travel more easily through your property and find valuable food and homes. If you are able to find local plants, these can be a great source of seed or cross-pollination for your local park or reserve.

• Place logs, rocks and spiky native bushes around your garden to shelter small The Gungaderraanimals from Heritage harsh Lane weather in Harrison and ispredators. a good example If you of have retaining a damp patch you might mature trees along a creek line and old heritage road, which functions as a also consider building a frog pond. movement corridor for Superb Parrots and other wildlife.

• Volunteer with a ParkCare group to help repair habitats in your local park or reserve.

• Don’t let your cat or dog roam around your front yard or nature strip. Pets will scare or hunt birds and animals that use your garden as a home or as a stepping stone to other areas.

Being a good neighbour to the bush 7 Weeds Livingnext to stop them at the source

Invaders in the bush Weeds, like this Fire Weed, can spread quickly, covering large areas and Weeds are simply plants growing in the outcompeting local species. wrong place. In bush or grassland, this means any plants which are introduced (photo: Lois Padgham) to the area. Because they are often fast growing, weeds can spread quickly and outcompete local native plants. This is Some species which are native to other areas especially true in disturbed areas close of Australia, such as this Rosemary Grevillea to suburbs. Native plants in these areas can become a threat to Canberra’s local plant are already under stress from pressures life. (photo: Michael Mulvaney). such as bushfire hazard reduction and recreation. This makes them even more vulnerable to being overcome by weed invasions. Local plants are an important source of food and shelter for wildlife. They are also important in helping to keep our environment healthy, for example by filtering water along creeks and rivers. Losing local plants because of weed invasion affects the whole environment.

8 Living next to Nature Weeds next to Nature stop them at the source

Your backyard Many of the weeds invading our bush areas have escaped from gardens, by Captionsspreading for their pics seedon opposite through page the (can wind, we get one of a Superb on boots and in pet fur. Weeds can also Thebe spreadForde development by berry eating adjacent birds, to the or Mulligan’sby Flat NR, allowed for many largebeing eucalypts dumped to with be retained garden within waste. parkland or within treed walking paths (corridors) linking to the nature reserve. Many weeds are already listed on the ACT declared pest plant species list, available from the Territory and Municipal Services - www.tams.act. Thegov.au Crace. Other design plants, is regarded which as arehaving only poor outcomes for biodiversity as a large numberrecently of becoming mature trees recognised on site were as destroyed. weeds, have not yet officially been listed. Sacred Bamboo is a known garden escapee, however the non-berry producing variety is Some of these species are still available perfectly safe to plant. from nurseries so when planning your garden, take care to select plants which will not spread into nearby bush areas.

What can I do?

• Avoid plants that are known environmental weeds. As an alternative, many plants have varieties that do not spread.

• Slowly replace weed plants already in your garden. Ask your local nursery for alternatives which will not spread into nearby bush areas. The Gungaderra Heritage Lane in Harrison is a good example of retaining mature• trees Dispose along ofa creek garden line wasteand old at heritage Canberra road, Sand which and functions Gravel as- Parkwooda Road, movementMacgregor corridor or for Vicars Superb St, Parrots Mitchell. and other wildlife.

• Volunteer with a ParkCare group to help control weeds in your local park or reserve.

• Keep dogs and cats from roaming freely in reserves. Weed seeds can easily be caught in fur and carried through bushland.

Being a good neighbour to the bush 9 Cats and Dogs Livingnext to keeping pets and wildlife safe

Protect your pet Cats and dogs roaming freely in bush or grassland areas are at great risk of getting bitten by a snake, attacked by a kangaroo, catching a disease or becoming trapped. Even the best trained pet can become distracted by an inviting smell or an interesting log, before you have time to stop them. Pets that are kept indoors, contained in runs or walked on leashes, generally live longer and healthier lives.

Many of Canberra’s newer suburbs are being Protect our wildlife declared ‘Cat Curfew Areas’. This means Cats and dogs can be dangerous that cats must be contained in houses and predators in bush and grassland areas at backyards. Cat runs or floppy fence tops are a all times of the day or night. great way to let your cat safely explore They are particularly threatening to the great outdoors reptiles, birds and frogs. Even when they without threatening hunt unsuccessfully, the chase and the pet wildlife. (photo: scent can frighten and disturb wildlife. CATNIP). Pets are also perfect carriers for diseases and weed seeds, which become caught in their fur. 10 Living next to Nature Cats and Dogs next to Nature keeping pets and wildlife safe

Protect your dog from poison baits and possible kangaroo encounters by heeding warn- Captionsing signs. for Kangaroospics on opposite have beenpage known(can we to get one of a Superb drown roaming dogs in dams, or kick them with their massive hind legs. The Forde development adjacent to the Mulligan’s Flat NR, allowed for many large eucalypts to be retained within parkland or within treed walking paths (corridors)Many suburbs linking tohave the safe nature places reserve. for dogs on and off-leash. Off-leash areas are a great social place for both dogs and owners. (photo: Yvonne Best)

The Crace design is regarded as having poor outcomes for biodiversity as a large number of mature trees on site were destroyed. What can I do?

• Walk dogs on-leash, except in designated dog parks or off-leash areas. Remember to take a bag and dispose of faeces thoughtfully.

• Use dog parks and off-leash areas. These are a great way for both you and your dog to make new friends. Official Dog Parks are located at Lake Ginninderra, Lake Tuggeranong, Lake Burley Griffin, Forde and Casey. There are also many informal off-leash areas, such as some sports fields. Visit the TAMS website to find out more: www.tams.act.gov.au

• Keep your cat indoors and in your backyard by building a cat run or installing floppy fence tops. Visit the RSPCA website for do-it-yourself and retail options: www.rspca.org.au The Gungaderra Heritage Lane in Harrison is a good example of retaining mature• trees Entertain along a yourcreek catline orand dog old withheritage fun road, toys whichand games. functions For as a agreater challenge, movement corridor for Superb Parrots and other wildlife. take up a sport like Fly Ball or Dog Dancing. Visit the ACT Companion Dog Club website to find out more: www.actcdc.org.au • Report wandering cats and dogs to Domestic Animal Services by calling 13 22 81. This is for the protection of both the animal and local wildlife. If the animal is a pet, its microchip can be scanned and the owner will be contacted to take it home. If it is a stray, it will have the opportunity to find a new home.

Being a good neighbour to the bush 11 Out and About Livingnext to enjoying nature

Getting to know the bush Living in ‘The Bush Capital’, Canberrans are privileged to have easy access to many beautiful natural areas. There are opportunities for walking, running, cycling and bird-watching. Spring is the perfect time to spot wildlife and enjoy nature’s Floriade, although all seasons have their own special attractions. Getting out and about is a great way to get to know the bush next door and have fun while doing it.

Find out about upcoming guided walks by contacting your local ParkCare group or visiting the Territory and Municipal services website: www.tams.act.gov.au (photo: Waltraud Pix)

Loving it to death While it is wonderful to explore nature, it is important to do so responsibly. Making your own mountain biking or walking Many of our more popular areas are trails has serious impacts in bush areas. These suffering from overuse and the impacts activities threaten beautiful and delicate plants of illegal activities such as littering, such as the Wax Lip Orchid (pictured above) firewood collection and capturing which are easily damaged by cyclists or crushed wildlife. These activities threaten underfoot. Ilegal trails can also lead to serious sensitive plants and animals and can erosion. (photo: Ian Falconer) quickly degrade the local environment.

12 Living next to Nature Out and About next to Nature enjoying nature

Captions for pics on opposite page (can we get one of a Superb

The Forde development adjacent to the Mulligan’s Flat NR, allowed for many largeCanberra eucalypts has to many be retained specially within designed parkland recreational or within areas. treed They walking are apaths great way to get outdoors (corridors)without impacting linking to toothe heavily nature onreserve. our local environment. For example, Lake Burley Griffin, Lake Ginninderra, Lake Tuggeranong and Gungahlin Ponds have flat, safe paths with unbeatable views. For a fun family day out visit the National Arboretum to take advantage of the on site cafe and picnic areas. For more of a challenge, Stromlo Forest Park is a world-class site designed especially for The Crace cross-countrydesign is regarded running as havingand mountain poor outcomes biking. for(photo: biodiversity stromloforestpark.com.au) as a large number of mature trees on site were destroyed. What can I do?

• Keep to formed trails and take note of ‘no access’ signs. This will help protect important habitats.

• Avoid taking your dog into sensitive areas, especially if they are declared no dog zones. Where dogs are permitted, remember to keep them on-leash at all times and to dispose of faeces thoughtfully.

• Cycle on fire trails and sign-posted cycle tracks only. Walking trails are not designed for cycling. Using them in this way is dangerous and damages the trail.

• Do not collect firewood, rocks or parts of plants. These are important homes and sources of food for insects, birds and reptiles. The Gungaderra Heritage Lane in Harrison is a good example of retaining mature trees along a creek line and old heritage road, which functions as a movement• Do corridor not touch for Superb or capture Parrots wild and otheranimals. wildlife. They are delicate and will not survive in your home or garden.

• Collect rubbish and take it home with you. Even food scraps can make animals sick or spread weeds.

• Call Canberra Connect to report any problems on 13 22 81.

Being a good neighbour to the bush 13 Fire Livingnext to stopping the spread

Thriving on the heat Fire is an important part of Australia’s natural systems, and plants and animals have evolved over millennia to cope and even thrive on occasional flames. Unfortunately, the number and intensity of fires can increase where suburbs exist next to bush or grasslands. This is due in part to deliberate or accidental lighting of fires and to the risk of bushfires affecting houses. This increase in fires can kill sensitive plants and animals and disrupt the entire ecosystem, making it more susceptible to other impacts such as weed invasion.

Parts of the Outer Asset Protection Zone in Molonglo are home to the nationally listed Pink-tailed Worm Lizard. This leads to the challenge of ensuring fuel reduction strategies do not damage the fragile lizard or its habitat. (photo: David Wong)

Protecting our assets Canberra has many areas where suburbs Did you know? exist near bush or grassland. To protect houses and the bush alike from the risk of bushfire, Asset Protection Zones are designated around new and existing Fuel build up in and around suburbs. Fuel reduction measures, such the home was a major cause as controlled burns, slashing or grazing, of house loss during the 2003 are carried out within these zones. bushfires.

14 Living next to Nature Fire next to Nature stopping the spread

Finding the balance Some Asset Protection Zones in Canberra are located within important Captions for pics on opposite page (can we get one of a Superb bush or grassland areas. Fuel reduction in these areas needs to be undertaken very The Forde development adjacent to the Mulligan’s Flatcarefully NR, allowed to reduce for many the risk of bushfire large eucalypts to be retained within parkland or withinwithout treed damaging walking paths the environment. (corridors)Joining a Community linking to the Fire nature Unit reserve. is a great way to help your community to prepare for the fire The difficulty in finding this balance season. (photo: Kathy Eyles) means that, where possible, new Asset Protection Zones should not be located where they pose a risk to environmental The Crace design is regarded as having poor outcomesvalues. for biodiversity as a large number of Whatmature trees can on site Iwere do? destroyed.

• Call 000 immediately if you see smoke or flames in the bush or near your home.

• Reduce the risk of fire in your garden by:

o Using stone rather than wood mulch in high risk areas;

o Keeping grass and shrubs trimmed and well watered;

o Removing fallen leaves, dead plants and old branches;

o Keeping gutters clear; and

o Clearing away loose or hanging bark from trees. The Gungaderra Heritage Lane in Harrison is a good example of retaining mature• trees Volunteer along a tocreek help line your and localold heritage community road, which to prepare functions for asthe a fire season by movementjoining corridor a Community for Superb ParrotsFire Unit. and otherFind wildlife.out more at https://esa.act.gov.au/actfr/ community-fire-units/

• Do not light fires or drop cigarette butts outside of designated fire areas.

• Take note of ‘Fire Risk’ ratings when out in the bush and avoid lighting fires on high risk days. Visit http://esa.act.gov.au/actrfs/ for bushfire risk updates and information.

Being a good neighbour to the bush 15 Large Mature Trees Livingnext to supporting plants and animals

Trees are natural homes Large mature trees, such as eucalypts, are a key part of woodlands and forests. They provide homes, food and shelter for many different kinds of plants and animals. For example, more than 300 different kinds of native animals including bats, birds, possums, gliders and reptiles use tree hollows. These hollows only develop in big trees that are more than a century old.

Large eucalypts are very important for the Stepping stones across functioning of the critically endangered eco- the suburbs system Box-Gum Grassy Woodland. Because it grows in low flat areas, much of this ecosystem Large mature trees are also important type was cleared for agriculture and suburban ‘stepping stones’ for many plants and development. animals. Resting or feeding in these trees The ACT has some of the largest remaining can help an animal to travel from one patches of Box-Gum Grassy Woodland in Aus- area of bush to another across largely tralia. Many of these patches are protected in cleared landscapes such as suburbs. reserves such as Mulligan’s Flat Nature Reserve, Similarly, some plants need the shelter of next door to the suburbs of Gungahlin. large mature trees in order to grow. They (photo: Lois Padgham) can then disperse their seeds to nearby bushland.

16 Living next to Nature Large Mature Trees next to Nature supporting plants and animals

Fading from the landscape Large mature trees are often cut down during the construction of new suburbs. Captions for pics on opposite page (can we get one of a Superb Even when they are kept, they tend to be lost before their time. One reason The Forde development adjacent to the Mulligan’s Flatfor thisNR, allowedis damage for many to roots caused by large eucalypts to be retained within parkland or withinconcrete treed or walking roads paths compacting the soil (corridors) linking to the nature reserve. and preventing access to water. Another factor is the need for trees to have space to grow. Often, big trees are cut down when they pose a safety risk to houses or The Crace design is regarded as having poor outcomespedestrians. for biodiversity This asmeans a large that, over time, number of mature trees on site were destroyed. large mature trees are disappearing from the landscape. Tree hollows are the perfect home for many birds, such as these young Kestrels (above) and the threatened Superb Parrot (right). (photos: Geoffrey Dabb)

What can I do?

• Look after trees in your backyard or nature-strip. Get professional advice regarding care and requirements.

• If you have a large yard, consider planting smaller species of eucalypt. Make The Gungaderra Heritage Lane in Harrison is a good example of retaining maturesure trees that along you a creekgive trees line and plenty old heritage of space, road, away which from functions homes asand a powerlines. movement corridor for Superb Parrots and other wildlife. • Help your local ParkCare group to plant trees during winter or participate in an annual National Tree Day planting: http://treeday.planetark.org.au.

• If you are lucky enough to build a new home, where possible, keep some trees on the property.

Being a good neighbour to the bush 17 Water Livingnext to going with the flow

Teeming with life Creeks to concrete Many different kinds of plants and In urban areas, many ponds and plants animals live in and along our creeks and are replaced with hard surfaces such as rivers, including frogs, turtles and tall drains, footpaths and roads. When water River She-oaks. These plants and animals runs across these surfaces it is not easily have evolved to suit the conditions absorbed. This means that it runs very of their waterways such as the level, quickly and is not filtered for pollutants regularity and speed of water flows. such as oil, detergents or fertilizers. Keeping these within natural limits is When this faster moving, polluted water essential for ensuring that our water is reaches creeks and rivers it can result in fresh, clean and productive. significant damage to the river banks and to the plants and animals which live in In the past, the ACT’s creeks and rivers and around the watercourse. included slow moving chains of ponds surrounded by trees, shrubs and grasses. In several new and existing suburbs, This system provided important habitats concrete drains have been replaced for plants and animals and filtered the with vibrant wetlands. These filter and water making it clean and fresh. regulate water, whilst providing habitat and recreational opportunities.

The Gungaderra Creek Pond at Franklin is a welcome home for many animals and an important stormwater catchment and filter. It is also a beautiful place to take a stroll. (photo: Rob Thorman)

18 Living next to Nature Water next to Nature going with the flow Sharing our water Water is vital for our houses, farms, industry and the environment. Living in Captions for pics on opposite page (can we get onea ofdry a Superb continent like Australia, means that there is a limited supply to meet these The Forde development adjacent to the Mulligan’s Flatneeds. NR, Itallowed is critical for many that we make sure that largeFast eucalypts flowing to water be retained can erode within creek parkland banks. or withinenough treed water walking is left paths over after human use (corridors) linking(photo: to Yvonnethe nature Best). reserve. to keep watercourses flowing and supply plants and animals with much needed habitat. Sharing our water with aquatic plants and animals is critical for their What can I do? survival. The Crace design is regarded as having poor outcomes for biodiversity as a large number• of Create mature a trees Rain on Garden site were under destroyed. your drainpipe. These modern and low maintenance gardens filter storm water and slow it down before it reaches creeks and rivers: www.raingardennetwork.com.au

• Use environmentally-friendly cleaning supplies. Conventional cleaning supplies contain chemicals that are harmful to aquatic plants and animals.

• Minimise concrete and other hard surfaces in gardens. Water is more easily absorbed and filtered by lawn or mulch.

• Use less water in the home and garden. This reduces the amount of water that is diverted from rivers, leaving more water for plants and animals.

o Use waterwise plants in your garden and spread mulch to retain moisture for longer.

The Gungaderrao HeritageCollect Lanerain inw Harrisonater and is use a good it to example water your of retaining garden or supply toilets mature trees along a creek line and old heritage road, which functions as a movement corridorand washing for Superb machines. Parrots and other wildlife. o Install a grey water system to recycle household water by diverting it to the garden.

o Take shorter showers and use dishwashers and washing machines with good energy and water use ratings.

Being a good neighbour to the bush 19 Beyond the Fence Livingnext to nature outside reserves

Crossing boundaries Plants and animals do not recognise fences and lines drawn on maps. They live, eat, breed and travel through many different landscapes including farms, backyards and urban parks. While reserves play a vital role in nature conservation, many important environmental values exist outside of protected areas.

The Grassland Earless Dragon lives in grasslands on both nature reserves and rural properties in the ACT Region. Several rural leasees have signed legal agreements to help protect the lizard on their lands. (photo: Wendy Diamond)

20 Living next to Nature Beyond the Fence next to Nature nature outside reserves

Suburban conservation The lands upon which new suburbs are developed often have important Captions for pics on opposite page (can we get one of a Superb environmental values. These might include watercourses, ecological The Forde development adjacent to the Mulligan’s Flatconnectivity NR, allowed or for particularly many vulnerable large eucalypts to be retained within parkland or withinplants treed or animals.walking paths In Canberra, suburban (corridors) linking to the nature reserve. development attempts to keep many of these values within new suburbs. For Remnant strips of bush in new suburbs serve example, large mature trees may be kept as highways for wildlife that need to travel in in urban parks, or parks may be built Thesearch Crace of fooddesign and is mates.regarded (photo: as having Yvonne poor Best) outcomesaround for biodiversity existing wetlands. as a large number of mature trees on site were destroyed.

On the farm While most rural land is used for agricultural purposes such as grazing, these broad spaces often also support important species and ecological communities, such as woodlands or grasslands. Just as suburbs impact on nearby reserves, they also have effects on the environmental values of rural properties.

What can I do?

• Respect the boundaries of rural properties. The owners of these properties are working hard to protect the environmental values of their land while at the same time maintaining productivity. The Gungaderra Heritage Lane in Harrison is a good example of retaining mature trees along a creek line and old heritage road, which functions as a movement• Talk corridor to your for Superb local catchmentParrots and othergroup wildlife. about joining a WaterWatch, FrogWatch or LandCare group. These groups are a fun way to help monitor and protect environmental values in urban parks.

• If you own a rural property consider setting some of it aside for conservation or adopting sustainable land management practices. The Environmental Defenders Office can provide legal advice and information about potential funding: www.edo.org.au

Being a good neighbour to the bush 21 What can I do? Livingnext to in the garden

Create a home for wildlife

Attract birds and insects by planting local flowering plants in a range of shapes and sizes. Spiky native plants will help protect birds from predators such as neighbourhood cats. Add logs or rocks to the display to create homes for lizards and frogs. Building a frog pond is a great idea if you have a damp area in your garden. Contact FrogWatch for tips on creating an irresistible habitat for frogs: www.ginninderralandcare.org.au/frogwatch

Don’t plant weeds Be waterwise

Avoid plants which may escape Planting drought resistant plants into local bushland. Replace them and mulching your garden beds with hardy kitchen plants such as will help your plants thrive and Rosemary or Lavender, non-berry- reduce how much water they use. producing varieties, or local native This will help keep more water in plants. the rivers and reduce your water costs. You can help even further by installing a rainwater tank or building a rain garden. Cat-proof your yard

Cat runs or floppy fences are a great way for your cat to safely explore Keep your garden the outdoors. These devices keep neat and tidy cats inside your back garden and off the streets and reserves. This Regularly cleaning out your gutters protects your cat and our wildlife. and mowing the lawn helps to Cat runs can include toys, cat grass reduce the risk of fire spreading and other temptations to keep through your garden and into your your cat entertained for hours. house. It is is also a good idea to Visit the RSPCA to find out more prune large bushes and remove about do-it-yourself options and dead plants and branches. recommended retailers. www.rspca.org.au 22 Living next to Nature What can I do? next to Nature in the bush

Get out there Respect rural areas Exploring your local bush or Captions for pics on opposite page (can we get one of a Superb grassland is a great way to have Rural areas such as farms often fun, get fit and learn more about have important environmental The Fordethe environment.development adjacent Popular to activitiesthe Mulligan’s Flat NR,values. allowed Help for many your local farmers to large eucalyptsinclude walking, to be retained bird-watching within parkland and or within treed walking paths (corridors) linking to the nature reserve. protect them by not trespassing on photography. their lands.

The Crace designTake is regarded only as having memories, poor outcomes forleave biodiversity only as a largefootprints number of mature trees on site were destroyed. When you are in the bush try to minimise your impact as much as possible. Walk or cycle only on suitable paths and try not to make too much noise. Always take your rubbish home with you and don’t collect firewood, bush rocks, plants or animals.

Join a ParkCare group

ParkCare or ‘Friends of’ groups are a fun and social way to get your hands dirty and make a real difference to your reserve. Most groups hold monthly working bees, which can include planting, weeding, monitoring and morning tea. Look for signage on reserve gates or The Gungaderracontact Heritage your catchmentLane in Harrison group is ato good find example out more. of retaining mature trees along a creek line and old heritage road, which functions as a movement corridor for Superb Parrots and other wildlife. Keep your dog on a leash

Dogs off leash scare wildlife and can intimidate other walkers. They are also at risk of being injured by snakes and kangaroos or being hit by a car. Find out more about safe spaces to let your dog run freely on the Territory and Municipal Services Website: www.tams.act.gov.au Being a good neighbour to the bush 23 What can I do?

in the community

Support a community environment group

Community environment groups are vital for the protection of our local bush and grasslands. They range in interests from a specific type of animal such as reptiles or birds to issues such as climate change or active transport. Some of the groups do on the ground work such as planting or weeding while others are more focused on policy, law or talking to the community. All are in need of your support.

You can sign up to mailing lists, Facebook or attend events to keep up to date with current issues. You can also make a tax deductible donation or become a member to show support. To find a community group which interests you, visit the Member Group page on the Conservation Council website and check out more than 40 local groups: www.conservationcouncil.org.au

Pass it on

If you feel passionate about Canberra’s environment, tell Volunteer someone about it! Let your friends and family know what matters to If you can spare some time, you by sharing stories and green most community environment tips over the dinner table or via groups run on the enthusiasm of email and social media. Writing volunteers. You can be particularly a letter or making a submission helpful if you have useful to your local politician is another skills such as administration, great way to make your voice fundraising, GIS or experience in heard. Most new developments policy, ecology or planning. On- and other changes to the ground groups are always looking environment ask for community for willing hands and most groups input, take them up on it! need extra helpers during special events.

24 Living next to Nature Discover the Treasures Captions for pics on opposite pageof (can thewe get one ofACT a Superb Region

The Forde development adjacent to the Mulligan’s Flat NR, allowed for many large eucalypts to be retained within parkland or within treed walking paths (corridors) linking to the nature reserve.

!"#$%&'()* TUGGERANONG T REASURES ’S The Crace design is regarded as having poor outcomes for biodiversity as a large number of mature trees on site were destroyed.

A GUIDE TO INTERPRETING THE REGION’S HERITAGE

Tuggeranong’s Treasures reveals the hidden, the interesting

and the beautiful in one easy-to-use Guide

This project was funding madesupported available with Tuggeranong Treasures_40pp_v2.indd 1 under the ACT Heritage Grants Program

21/03/13 6:46 PM

Uncover the natural and cultural heritage of the Bush Capital with the Treasures of the ACT Region. Find out more about Canberra’s history, plants Theand Gungaderra animals as Heritage well as Lane hints in Harrisonfor great is places a good toexample bike, bushwalk,of retaining swim or picnic! mature trees along a creek line and old heritage road, which functions as a movementGrab a copy corridor today for Superband start Parrots exploring and other the wildlife. hidden treasures in your backyard!

www.conservationcouncil.org.au Handy Contacts

Conservation Council ACT Region www.conservationcouncil.org.au for futher information about living next to nature Territory and Municipal Services www.tams.act.gov.au or call 13 22 81 for any information on the ACT’s parks and reserves or to report injured wildlife or illegal activities Catchment Groups to find your local ParkCare, LandCare, FrogWatch or WaterWatch Ginninderra Catchment Group www.ginninderralandcare.org.au Molonglo Catchment Group www.molonglocatchment.com.au Southern ACT Catchment Group www.sactcg.org.au Gardening and Landscaping Australian Native Plants Society Canberra www.nativeplants-canberra.asn.au for advice on growing native plants and biannual plant sales Canberra Environment Centre www.ecoaction.com.au for workshops on sustainable living Pets RSPCA www.rspca.org.au for advice on protecting your pet Domestic Animal Services call Canberra Connect on 13 22 81 to report a stray animal CATNIP Cat Enclosures www.catnip.com.au for cat containment equipment and installation ACT Companion Dog Club www.actcdc.org.au for dog sports and recreation Recreation Canberra Bushwalking Club www.canberrabushwalkingclub.org for regular bush walks National Parks Association www.npaact.org.au for activities in protected areas

Managing the Urban Edge

Discussion Paper December 2013

Managing the Urban Edge Discussion Paper December 2013

Contributors: The Conservation Council ACT Region - Rebecca Palmer-Brodie, Clare Henderson, John Hibbard, Friends of Grasslands - Sarah Sharp, The Australian National University - David Shorthouse, National Parks Association of the ACT - Christine Goonrey, Rod Griffiths, Clive Hurlstone, Canberra Ornithologists Group – Jenny Bounds, Friends of Aranda Bushland – Ian Falconer, Friends of Mount Majura – Waltraud Pix, Molonglo Catchment Group – Anna See, Bush on the Boundary Molonglo, Boundary Gungahlin, Bush on the Boundary North Watson.

This project was also supported with funding made available under the ACT Environment Grants Program.

Enquiries Conservation Council ACT Region Post: GPO Box 544, Canberra ACT 2601 Phone: (02) 6229 3200 Website: www.conservationcouncil.org.au

Cover Image GIS Map of Throsby by David Wong

Text, Design and Layout Copyright The Conservation Council ACT Region Inc. December 2013

Disclaimer Every effort has been made to ensure that the information in this paper is accurate at the time of printing. It is however intended as a discussion paper, and the Conservation Council ACT Region accepts no responsibilities resulting from changes to management, planning and legislation or loss resulting from the use of this paper.

Managing the Urban Edge – Discussion Paper 2013 2

Explanatory Notes

This document is intended as a discussion paper to be utilised as a basis for discussions between government, developers and community groups regarding the improvement of the management of ecological values at the urban edge. In an effort to address complex and pervasive issues in a constructive manner, the document has been intentionally focused on the protection and enhancement of ecological values at the urban edge. There are a number of relevant cross-cutting issues that are beyond this scope, such as social and economic implications of urban development and the urban edge and the building of sustainable suburbs and cities more generally. Similarly, this document has been based on the past experiences of the members of Bush on the Boundary Committee and the member groups of the Conservation Council ACT Region. This means that it has focused on the ten issues that have been perceived as the most significant in the past ten years of Canberra’s development. These ten issues are not intended as an exhaustive list of considerations. The intention of this approach is to explicitly analyse these significant issues with a view to reducing their impacts in the future. Because this document has focused on past experiences it does not consider future concerns, such as climate change. The limitations of this document in terms of cross-cutting issues and future considerations demand a strategic approach to its use. This document is not intended to be used verbatim, or in isolation, rather it has been designed to provide a record of past experiences related to ecological values and the urban edge and suggestions for how these issues might be addressed in the future. Addressing these issues in the long term will require a strategic approach that incorporates social and economic considerations and proactively addresses potential issues such as climate change, before they occur.

Managing the Urban Edge – Discussion Paper 2013 3

Contents

Managing the Urban Edge: Discussion Paper 2013

Principles …………………………………………………………….5

Management Principles ………………………………………..5

Introduction …………………………………………………………….10

Connectivity ……………………………………………………………13

Domestic Animal Management ………………………………..17

Invasive Plant Species ……………………………………………..21

Fire Management …………………………………………………….24

Mature Trees …………………………………………………………...28

Rural Leases ……………………………………………………………31

Roads and Infrastructure ……………………………………….35

Access and Recreation ………………………………………………40

Aquatic and Riparian Areas …………………………………43

Community Participation ……………………………………….48

Timeline of Recommendations …………………………………54

Managing the Urban Edge – Discussion Paper 2013 4 Principles

Overarching Principle

Retention and enhancement of ecological values should be incorporated into the design and ongoing management of existing and new urban developments.

Management Principles Management of ecological values at the urban edge should be:

Pay specific attention to the areas where the urban edge abuts Targeted o areas of ecological value o Consider both the direct and indirect impacts arising from the urban edge o Deliberately consider the impacts of the urban edge on ecological values

Recognise that urban edge issues are interrelated and must be Integrated o managed in tandem o Utilise partnerships and information sharing that acknowledges the responsibilities, capacity and requirements of different individuals, groups and areas o Maximise opportunities to align with existing and potential projects

Experiment with innovative management solutions Adaptive o o Monitor effects of measures, before, during and after they occur o Change management to reflect lessons learned

Use the precautionary principle to inform decision-making. That Strategic o is, not delaying management actions due to a lack of scientific knowledge if there is a significant risk of ecological damage o Manage ecological values proactively, before they show signs of stress or ecosystem collapse o Establish productive working relationships with all relevant organisations and stakeholders at the earliest possible stage to reduce inefficiencies and maximise opportunities

Ensure ongoing costs of managing urban edge effects are Achievable o achievable within budgetary constraints o Ensure that policy measures are enforceable and will be complied with o Consider the alignment of measures with social requirements

Managing the Urban Edge – Discussion Paper 2013 5 Connectivity Domestic Animal Invasive Plant Species Management Connectivity exists differently for different Introduced predators such as cats and dogs Invasive plants need to be managed species and ecological communities and are a threat to ecological values proactively, with threats being identified should be managed accordingly and addressed before they spread.

Areas of potential ‘connectivity’ include not Sensitive fauna and conservation habitats Known or potentially invasive plants just protected areas, but urban open space, abutting suburbs and housing developments should not be planted close to areas of creeks and wetlands, private gardens, rural must be protected from the impacts of ecological value lands and landscaped areas domestic animals

Successful ‘connectivity’ requires an Restricting the ability to roam has benefits integrated and sympathetic network of for the health and welfare of domestic protected areas and biodiversity ‘corridors’ animals throughout the landscape

Ecological functioning depends on the Policies must be sensitive to the high social Mature Trees maintenance of opportunity for value of pet ownership within the ACT connectivity

The loss of existing connections should be Restrictions should be placed on domestic Mature trees, and their associated vegetation, avoided animals that have the potential to threaten have significant ecological values which should biodiversity in natural areas be retained where possible

Opportunities for enhancing connectivity The continuation of mature trees in the should be identified and implemented landscape requires the retention and planting of trees in a range of age classes

Connectivity planning is a long–term Mature trees need to be identified early and process that should be incorporated at all managed before, during and after development stages of a planning process and across all parts of a given landscape irrespective of land use, tenure or formal designation Fire Management Rural Leases Roads and Infrastructure

Ecological assets should be protected Rural Leaseholders should be given the Planning, design and maintenance of alongside lives and property opportunity to be involved in decision- roads and other infrastructure should making processes that affect their land take into account ecological values, constraints and opportunities for the Asset Protection Zones should be lowest possible impact on the natural incorporated within the urban footprint of environment the development wherever possible

Asset Protection Zones should be located Rural Leaseholders should be supported Impacts on ecological values occur both outside of areas of ecological value where in protecting and enhancing the ecological during the construction phase and there is a risk of impacting on those values values on their land, with particular throughout ongoing operation and consideration for managing urban edge existence effects Infrastructure developments should not Where the urban edge approaches rural be located within areas of high ecological land with environmental value, urban value where there is a risk of edge principles should guide management compromising those values. action

Managing the Urban Edge – Discussion Paper 2013 7

Access and Recreation Aquatic and Riparian Community Participation Areas Conservation should be a priority Aquatic and riparian ecosystems Decision-making and planning processes should over recreation in areas of high should be managed in a manner that be transparent and accountable to the community ecological value enhances ecosystem functioning in terms of flows, water quality and Communities should be involved in the decisions aquatic connectivity that affect them

Recreation in areas of ecological New suburb planning should include Early cooperation and information exchange value should be: the principles of ‘water sensitive urban between key stakeholders will facilitate design’ negotiation and ensure best outcomes o passive; o protecting our natural o oriented towards furthering water systems appreciation of nature; and Community participation creates a strong sense of o managing stormwater in ownership, which is essential for effecting o designed in a manner that ways that improve water behavioural change ensures minimal environmental quality impact Communities should be educated, consulted and o reduces costs encouraged to participate in dealing with each of o recycles the issues presented in this document

Public access can increase o is used for watering Community participation should be actively opportunities for high impact vegetation pursued through specifically designed programs activities such as firewood o minimises negative impact where new developments abut areas of ecological collection, waste dumping and off- to natural aquatic and value road driving and trail biking. The wetland areas; and potential for these activities to Involving the community in the enhancement and improves the aesthetic impact on ecological values should o protection of ecological values benefits the environment be managed community, the environment, developers and government

Managing the Urban Edge – Discussion Paper 2013 8 Key Terms

Ecological Values Urban Edge

The ACT is home to a great diversity of outstanding Canberrans are very lucky in that they are ecological values. The most visible of these are the surrounded by unique and beautiful areas of unique plants, animals and ecological communities. ecological value. Conversely, this situation means that Many of these are listed as threatened under ACT and many of the ACT’s areas of ecological value are Commonwealth Legislation. For some, such as surrounded by urban development. The interface Natural Temperate Grasslands and Box Gum Grassy between these urban and ecological areas is referred Woodland ecological communities, many of the last to in this document as the ‘urban edge’. viable remnants in Australia are located within the ACT. The urban edge does not only occur where suburbs abut nature reserves. It is also present where suburbs The ACT’s ecological values also exist in the form of abut rural leases, public parks, drainage easements, ecosystems services. These refer to the provisioning, river systems and other areas with ecological values. regulating, supporting and cultural services of the As a consequence, the management, planning and environment. In the ACT these range from habitat, design of this interface is a complex but critical food and connectivity to clean air, water and climate undertaking. regulation to cultural heritage, scientific study and recreation. These services are critical to the survival This document is divided into a series of issues and wellbeing of the ACT’s human, plant and wildlife associated with this process. Some of these issues populations. relate to the direct impacts resulting from the initial development and expansion of the urban edge such Ecological values are not limited to protected areas as connectivity, mature trees and roads and such as the Canberra Nature Park. They also exist on infrastructure. Others, such as domestic animal, public and private land, under a variety of invasive plant and fire management, refer to the management arrangements such as rural leaseholds, avoidance and management of impacts associated suburban gardens, roadside verges and drainage with the ongoing occupation of urban areas. Most of easements. Many ecological values are not static and the issues, in particular those such as community occur across a range of jurisdictions. This means that participation, transcend these distinct stages and all land and resource managers have a part to play in their consideration is essential throughout. their retention and enhancement.

Introduction Our Experience Canberra’s identity and urban planning has stemmed from the concept of a ’Bush Capital’ ever since its founding, Wildlife on the Edge 100 years ago. Today, an increasing population and economy is driving rapid urbanisation, expanding the urban edge The urban edge presents a variety of pressures on already vulnerable wildlife such as Canberra’s and threatening its ‘bush’ areas and the declining woodland bird population. The ACT’s species that depend on them. In the ACT, woodland birds include a number of listed threatened these bush areas are home to a number of species such as Brown Treecreepers (Climacteris endangered ecological communities and picumnus), Hooded Robins (Melanodryas cucullata) species that need to be protected. and Superb Parrot (Polytelis swainsonii). The direct impacts of urbanisation, such as habitat destruction and fragmentation, are The expansion of the urban edge destroys habitat and often evident early on. In the longer term, connectivity for these birds. It also increases however, the suburbs themselves also predation by domestic animals and competition from result in significant, but more indirect, introduced and/or artificially inflated populations of other birds. These, and other impacts combine to impacts along the urban edge. These make woodland bird populations less resilient and impacts relate to issues as diverse as more susceptible to the impacts of shock events such domestic animal management, invasive as droughts and fires. Even without shock events, the pest species, fire management, access and gradual accumulation of impacts can eventually result recreation. Where the urban edge abuts in local extinctions areas of ecological value the impacts of these multiple individual factors are compounded resulting in greater environmental stress. This process results in ecological values that are less resilient and more sensitive to additional impacts or shock events such as fire or climate change.

As Canberra rapidly expands, so Our Experience to does the consciousness of the impacts of urban edge on Bush on the Boundary sensitive ecological values. Developers, government, community groups, The idea for Bush on the Boundary Reference Groups academics and residents are (BoB) arose from a conversation between the increasingly attempting to Conservation Council ACT Region, the Ginninderra protect and enhance their local Catchment Group, the Canberra Ornithologists Group and ecological values within their academics from the Australian National University. The jurisdictions. With limited conversation related to the potential impacts of the funding, a lack of baseline impending development of Forde and Bonner in knowledge and ever increasing Gungahlin on the ecological values of Mulligans Flat. pressures, this is not an easy feat. These issues need to be The developers, the ACT Government and the Gungahlin addressed on a targeted case-by- Community Council were invited to meet with the group case basis, but also on a broader, and BoB Gungahlin was formed. BoB soon expanded to more integrated and strategic establish groups addressing developments at Molonglo level. Furthermore, they need to and North Watson. These groups provide stakeholders be addressed in a manner that with the opportunity to discuss new developments and strategise approaches to retain and enhance adjacent ecological values. Managing the Urban Edge – Discussion Paper 2013 10 allows for adaptive management so that the lessons learned are not lost. Key to this approach to management is considering the Strategic Solutions achievability of managing the Nature Friendly Landscaping impacts of the urban edge. If measures are unable to be enforced, Landscaping on public lands and in new developments is an unlikely to be complied excellent opportunity to address issues related to connectivity, with or have significant mature trees, fire management, water and invasive plant species. economic or social costs they are unlikely to be A key element in this approach could be the creation of ACT wide successful. The positive and negative planting lists. These lists could be localised as needed and used as a basis for large scale landscaping. Smaller management of the scale lists have already been created by various agencies and urban edge mist be within each of the BoB groups. targeted, strategic, integrated, adaptive and Easy to follow and comprehensive guidelines for ecological achievable. landscaping should also be incorporated into community engagement strategies. Suburban gardens form a large part of The recognition of this the urban edge and deserve significant attention. need resulted in the creation of Bush on the Boundary Reference Groups (BoB), as described in Our Experience – Bush on the Boundary (p 10). These groups provide an opportunity for key stakeholders to meet and discuss the potential impacts of new urban developments on ecological values.

This document is based on the collective and individual experiences of the BoB members, as well as those of the member groups of the Conservation Council ACT Region, the peak body for community environment groups in the ACT Region. This document should not be considered a definitive guide, rather as an impetus for considering critical issues. It is envisioned as a discussion paper, to be adapted and expanded with new ideas, experiences and approaches. In particular, there is a need to address the ecological issues considered in this document in tandem with social and economic considerations. It is hoped that the lessons learned by each of these groups and individuals can be applied in future urban management, planning and design. This process is essential if the ACT’s ecological values are to be retained and enhanced.

Strategic Solutions

Bushland Management Team

Managing ecological values that are impacted by the urban edge is a complex and technical task. At present, this management is undertaken by both ACT Government Rangers and volunteer based community groups. Both the rangers and community groups are limited by considerable time and resource constraints. As a consequence much of the on-ground elements of impact management have lacked a strategic approach.

A potential solution to this situation is the establishment of a professional bushland management team targeted at specifically addressing the urban edge. This team could provide technical advice and undertake on-ground action to support community groups and rangers.

This idea was supported, in the context of Canberra Nature Park Management, by the Commissioner for Sustainability and the Environment (2011). A significant portion of the necessary funding could be obtained by encouraging developers to offset the impacts of newly constructed urban edges.

Managing the Urban Edge – Discussion Paper 2013 11

Key Recommendations

1. Update policies, strategies and legislation to address the issues discussed within this document.

2. Develop measures that identify appropriate buffer zones for the urban edge, based upon the best available scientific research.

3. Incorporate the principles and recommendations into the development of new suburbs and the ongoing management of those that already exist.

4. Evaluate the ecological values of the ACT on a territory wide basis by: 4.1. Further developing the ACTMapi system by; 4.2. Incorporating the accumulated knowledge of local academic research and community groups such as ParkCare and Catchment Groups and commissioning research to fill any gaps; with a view to 4.3. Undertaking a broadscale Strategic Assessment of future development.

5. Participate in Bush on the Boundary Reference Groups for new developments where the urban edge will abut areas of ecological value as soon as is practicable. These groups should involve: o Government o Developers o Community Groups o Academics o Rural Leases o Resident Representatives

Managing the Urban Edge – Discussion Paper 2013 12

Connectivity

Principles

Connectivity exists differently for different species and ecological communities and should be managed accordingly.

Areas of potential ‘connectivity’ include not just protected areas, but also urban open space, creeks and wetlands, private gardens, rural lands and landscaped areas.

Successful ‘connectivity’ requires an integrated and sympathetic network of protected areas and biodiversity ‘corridors’ throughout the landscape.

Ecological functioning depends on the maintenance of opportunity for connectivity.

The loss of existing connections should be avoided.

Opportunities for enhancing connectivity should be identified and implemented.

Connectivity planning is a long–term process that should be incorporated at all stages of a planning process and across all parts of a given landscape irrespective of land use, tenure or formal designation.

Significance Connectivity refers to the connections an individual, population, species or ecological community needs to survive. These include connections to sufficient habitat, food and water sources, reproductive opportunities, shelter, symbiotic species and ecological processes. The connections themselves are avenues through which these resources can be accessed by the species in question. It is these avenues that make an area permeable to a species. As a consequence, the connectivity requirements of different species depend on various factors including their mobility, habitat type, and diet and migration patterns. For an ecological community, connectivity is often considered in more spatial terms and generally refers its continuous existence across a landscape. For an individual species, connectivity requirements may include more isolated elements such as rocks, waterways or vegetation cover. For example, some bird species have the ability to fly long distances to access resources so roadways may not impede connectivity. However, a lack of large mature trees, or wide open species may have an adverse effect. By contrast, small birds with limited ranges may require dense vegetation cover with rocks and woody debris. Wide clearings or patches of limited complexity may therefore impede connectivity.

Where connectivity requirements are not met, fragmentation occurs. If the habitat of an individual becomes fragmented, it is separated it from the resources upon which it depends, leaving it unable to survive. When an entire population becomes fragmented it is unable to restock from other populations, leaving it vulnerable to disturbances such as invasive species, bushfire and predation. Where sections of ecological communities are small and fragmented, they become unable to support genetic, ecological or species biodiversity leading to unbalanced and deteriorating ecosystems, such as that described in Our Experience – Kangaroo Grazing at Mount Majura Nature Reserve (p 14).

Managing the Urban Edge – Discussion Paper 2013 13

Existing situation Canberra’s image as the ‘Bush Capital’ stems from its extensive network of protected areas that includes Canberra Nature Park, the Molonglo and Our Experience Murrumbidgee River Corridors and Namadgi National Park. This network is an essential Community Mapping of element of Southeast Australia’s Connectivity extensive alpine, sub-alpine and

temperate natural landscapes. Collaboration between the Conservation Council ACT Region, Canberra’s increasing urbanization the ACT Government and the Australian National University is increasingly isolating these culminated in an innovative Biodiversity Mapping Project. A reserves from each other and from new computer and software system has been set up at with other areas of ecological value, access to the same set of baseline ecological information for spatial planning and development control that is used by the leading to concerns about ACT Government for identifying land use changes. fragmentation. This situation is already leading to management The Conservation Council is the peak body for more than 40 concerns in several areas, an community environment groups. The project provides these example of which is the groups with the training to use the new system to find concentration of Eastern Grey information and create maps regarding ecological values such Kangaroos and the effect their as threatened communities and species, vegetation types and intensified grazing is having on the existing and potential connectivity routes between them. The groups are then able to use this information to inform their grassland ecosystems as described work and to contribute to planning decisions regarding in Our Experience- Kangaroo sensitive issues such as connectivity. Potential future avenues Grazing at Mt Majura Nature for this project include integration with global, national and Reserve (p 14). local systems such as the Atlas of Australia.

Our Experience

Kangaroo Grazing at Mount Majura

Across much of the ACT, populations of Eastern Grey Kangaroos are becoming increasingly fragmented by infrastructure and urban development. This is thought to be having significant ecological consequences, particularly for grassy ecosystems, and is creating a safety threat to motorists. This situation has lead to the creation of the ACT Kangaroo Management Plan (2010) and management interventions such as culling.

Mount Majura Nature Reserve has been no exception to this phenomenon with resident kangaroos hedged in by the Federal Highway, the suburbs of Watson, Hackett and Ainslie and fencing along the Majura Parkway. A 2012 comparative study by the local environment group Friends of Mount Majura, found that kangaroos had an even greater effect on overgrazing in Mount Majura Nature Reserve than the introduced European Rabbit.

Overgrazing in Mount Majura Nature Reserve has minimised the height of ground cover vegetation and created bare patches of soil. This has disturbed habitat, reduced the ability of ground covers to reproduce, allowed weed incursion and resulted in considerable erosion. Kangaroos are disturbing revegetation efforts by removing protective casings and consuming plantings. These factors are hampering restoration efforts and degrading the ecological values of the reserve.

Actions to control the kangaroo population have been limited by the reserve’s open nature and proximity to urban areas. In an effort to improve kangaroo connectivity with nearby rural properties, expansions to the Majura Parkway will include specially designed kangaroo underpasses referred to as ‘fauna friendly’ dry culverts, stock crossings and shared underpasses with bicyclists.

Managing the Urban Edge – Discussion Paper 2013 14

The challenge of maximising connectivity is recognized in the ACT’s natural resource management plan – The Bush Capital Legacy. (NRMC 2009) Wildlife connectivity mapping via ACTMAPi has also been developed and was made available to community groups in August 2012. As described in Our Experience – Community Mapping of Connectivity (p 14), this proved very beneficial for fostering informed community input into policy and planning. The ACT Planning Strategy (2012), developed in accordance with the ACT Planning and Development Act 2007, also includes connectivity considerations with a provision for the inclusion of ‘biodiversity corridors’. There is however some concern that, given that each species and community have varying connectivity requirements, the isolated use of ‘biodiversity corridors’ as consistent with their legislative definition, would be insufficient to adequately address connectivity issues.

Recommendations

1. Incorporate connectivity planning in all projects and at all levels of planning by: 1.1. Using the wildlife connectivity mapping available via ACTMAPi in landscape planning and design; 1.2. Build considerations of connectivity into the requirements of Environmental Impact Assessments and Strategic Assessments; and 1.3. Considering and addressing the individual needs of key species. 2. Integrate action across all land types, use and ownership through the incorporation of connectivity considerations into the management of all issues discussed in this policy paper. Key issues include: 2.1. Community participation to involve all landholders and improve connectivity in public spaces; 2.2. Managing domestic animals so the use of urban public space, front gardens or nature strips as habitat or movement corridors is not interrupted; 2.3. Conserving mature trees across the landscape so that they can be used as stepping stones and refuges for the dispersal of various plants and animals; and 2.4. Managing waterways to allow for aquatic and riparian permeability. 3. Maintain and enhance existing connectivity by: 3.1. Undertaking habitat recovery actions in key locations such as areas of potential linkage between existing ACT Nature Reserves and those in NSW; 3.2. Avoiding further fragmentation, especially for threatened species and threatened ecological communities such as Yellow Box-Red Gum Grassy Woodlands or Natural Temperate Grasslands; 3.3. Utilising innovations such as fish ladders or kangaroo underpasses to overcome obstacles to connectivity such as dams and roads; and 3.4. Designing landscaping, such as that described in Our Experience Edge Friendly Plantings at “The Fair North Watson (p 22), which incorporates; 3.4.1. native plants in a range of species and age classes to provide cover, food and shelter for wildlife; and 3.4.2. rocks and coarse woody debris to provide habitat and shelter for frogs and reptiles and a source of foraging for small woodland birds.

Managing the Urban Edge – Discussion Paper 2013 15 References and Further Reading ACT Natural Resource Management Council (NRMC) 2009, Bush Capital Legacy, plan for managing the natural resources of the ACT, Canberra.

Friends of Mount Majura 2012, Kangaroos, Rabbits and Grass (audio/visual material), http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lS8pEpT7kow .

Manning, A, Shorthouse, D, Stein, JL & Stein, JA 2010, Ecological Connectivity for Climate Change in the ACT and Surrounding Region, Canberra.

Manning, AD, Lindenmayer, DB & Nix, HA 2004, ‘Continua and Umwelt: novel perspectives on viewing landscapes.’ OIKOS vol. 104, no.3, pp. 621–628.

Planning and Development Act 2007 (ACT).

SMEC Consulting 2013, Majura Parkway Final EIS Report 3002147: Revision No. 2, Canberra.

Territory and Municipal Services 2010, ACT Kangaroo Management Plan, Canberra.

Managing the Urban Edge – Discussion Paper 2013 16

Domestic Animal Management

Principles

Introduced predators such as cats and dogs are a threat to ecological values.

Sensitive fauna and conservation habitats abutting suburbs and housing developments should be protected from the impacts of domestic animals.

Restricting the ability to roam has benefits for the health and welfare of domestic animals.

Policies must be sensitive to the high social value of pet ownership within the ACT.

Restrictions should be placed on domestic animals that have the potential to threaten biodiversity in natural areas.

Significance Domestic animals such as cats and dogs put significant pressures on native ecosystems through predation and through the spread of diseases and weeds. Many dogs, for example, chase wildlife such as kangaroos and reptiles. Even where they do not hunt successfully, the predatory activity and their scent can cause extreme stress to animals.

The predatory behavior of cats is also of significant concern. Studies, both locally and nationally, show that free-roaming domestic cats prey on a large range of native fauna, and can significantly suppress populations of birds, animals and reptiles, especially impacting on species with small populations such as threatened fauna. For instance, a Canberra study (Barratt 1998) found that 75% of all domestic cats hunted opportunistically. The cats studied preyed upon 67 different species, a range of which were native species including birds, reptiles, amphibians and small native mammals. Barratt (1998) concluded that the proportion of native species taken by cats would increase with proximity to natural environments.

Cats and dogs also perform a transport role in the transfer of invasive plant species and diseases from urban areas into areas of ecological value. The seeds of some invasive plant species may be caught in fur and paws and spread as the animal travels. Similarly, domestic animals can transmit diseases such as Toxoplasmosis and tapeworm to native animals.

The presence of cats and dogs undermines the conservation objectives of areas of ecological value such as nature reserves. In particular, permitting dogs in nature reserves demonstrates a prioritization of recreational objectives over conservation objectives in park management. This detracts from the recognition of conservation values in planning, management and public perception.

It is also important to recognise the benefit to animals and their owners in keeping domestic animals either restrained or away from areas of ecological value. Cats and dogs which roam freely within areas of ecological value are susceptible to attack from snakes, kangaroos and other domestic animals. They are also at risk of consuming poison baits, becoming lost, and

Managing the Urban Edge – Discussion Paper 2013 17 contracting exposure and disease. Some of these diseases, such as the fox-bourne tapeworm Hydatids can even transfer to humans.

Existing Situation The Domestic Animals Act 2000 (ACT) provides a number of mechanisms for the identification and registration of domestic animals as well as outlining the duties of owners, carers and keepers. These mechanisms in turn minimise the impact of domestic animals in areas of ecological value.

During the past decade, domestic animal management policies and strategies have improved significantly. The Domestic Animals Act requires dogs to be restricted on a leash unless within designated off leash areas or dog parks. The Act was amended in 2007 to include a similar provision for cats. It empowers the relevant Minister, currently the Minister for Territory and Municipal Services, to declare a cat curfew in a particular area if there is a serious threat to native flora and fauna posed by cats [s.81]. Declarations have been made in several new suburbs including Forde, Bonner and “The Fair” at North Watson. To date all ‘curfews’ have been for a period of 24 hours. This requires cats in designated suburbs to be kept inside domestic houses or appropriate outdoor enclosures at all times. The owner of a cat is in breach of the Domestic Animals Act if the cat is not confined to the premises of a keeper or carer [s.82]. Si

In a further move forward, formal dog parks have been established in Greenway, Yarralumla, Belconnen, Forde and Casey. These establishments provide an appealing option for allowing dogs off leash and draw recreational pressure away from conservation areas. Maps of declared dog on and off leash areas have been made publically available on the Territory and Municipal Services website. Signage has also been erected at many of the entrances to nature reserves informing users that dogs are to be kept on leash. Several areas of significant ecological values, such as the Mulligans Flat Nature Reserve have also been declared no dog zones.

Our Experience

Laying Down the Law in North Watson

“The Fair” North Watson has been declared a 24 hour ‘cat curfew’ area due to its proximity to Mount Majura Nature Reserve. Dogs are permitted within this area, but are required to restrain their dogs on leashes. These conditions provide a good legislative basis for domestic animal management. However, at a focus group held by the Conservation Council in September 2013 found, residents reported that community engagement efforts designed to encourage residents to restrain their animals were significantly undermined by a the observed lack of enforcement of either set of regulations.

The observation of cats and dogs roaming freely throughout the suburb and the nature reserve without any perceived consequence was reported to result in considerable confusion and a disincentive to adhere to the regulations. This was especially true where the regulations required considerable personal expense such as the purchase of outdoor cat containment equipment. Furthermore, because no cat curfew has been declared within the broader Watson area, some of the observed cats within “the Fair” may not be subject to regulation.

The restraint of dogs was reported to be similarly undermined by the observation of users of Canberra Nature Park walking their dogs off leash. Furthermore, frustration was expressed regarding the lack of accessible alternative off-leash areas nearby to “The Fair”. The importance of incorporating off leash dog areas into development planning was raised at the initial North Watson Bush on the Boundary meetings. A proposed park area was identified and planned to be developed into a dog off leash area. Once construction had already begun on the development, it was determined within the ACT Government that the park was not an appropriate site for a dog off leash area. Subsequent investigations were initiated into alternative sites. Eighteen months after occupation began, no resolution of this situation has been achieved and

residents have begun to form norms and habits with regard to their domestic animals. Managing the Urban Edge – Discussion Paper 2013 18

Despite this solid basis, anecdotal evidence from residents, ParkCarers and Park Rangers indicates that free roaming cats and dogs are observed regularly within and adjacent to areas of ecological value. While there have been significant steps forward there remains a lack of enforcement, compliance and strategic consideration of the management of domestic animals in the planning and implementation processes (as described in Our Experience –Laying down the Law in North Watson (p 18)). Measures to manage domestic animals such as ‘cat curfew’ declarations and the establishment of dog parks have thus far been implemented on an ad hoc basis and usually in response to advocacy from community environment groups. This situation is not only inefficient, but may result in situations where sensitive locations are not subject to ‘cat curfew’ and are not supported by targeted community engagement or infrastructure such as dog parks and catteries.

This situation has lead to considerable confusion for residents, particularly second generation owners and tenants, who have not been subject to initial community engagement efforts (see Our Experience – Coming Home to the Bush in Gungahlin (p 50)). It is further compounded where free-roaming cats and dogs from neighbouring areas are observed within areas subject to restrictions such as ‘cat curfew’. In addition, the lack of enforcement and strategy gives residents little incentive to adhere to restrictions, particularly where they would require considerable personal expense such as the purchase of cat containment equipment, or where they would be required to travel to allow their dogs off leash.

Pet ownership has high social value within the ACT and any domestic animal polices or measures must be sensitive to this. This does not mean that domestic animal management should be avoided or softened. Indeed, a 2011 study of ACT community attitudes to cats found that: • 86% of the Canberra community believes there are benefits if cats are contained; • 58% of the community support cat containment across the ACT, coupled with mandatory registration, with only 21% opposing such a policy; and • There is very strong community support (84%) for a stray cat control/rescue programme (eg cat shelters, adoption programmes etc).

Given this in principle support it can be expected that addressing the discussed issues with a strategic, community focused approach will help to ensure compliance and acceptance.

Managing the Urban Edge – Discussion Paper 2013 19 Recommendations

1. Streamline the declaration of ‘cat curfew are as’ and the provision of dog exercise areas outside of the conservation system by: 1.1. Instituting an automatic regulation via a standard condition of approval for all new suburbs which requires the declaration of ‘cat containment’ and the installation of adequate and easily accessible dog off-leash areas and/or dog parks; 1.2. Introducing ‘cat curfew’ declarations and adequate and easily accessible dog off-leash areas and/or dog parks to existing suburbs on a rolling basis, with prioritization for suburbs directly adjacent to areas of ecological value

2. Monitor the efficacy of policy measures by: 2.1. Encouraging community reporting of free roaming domestic animals to domestic animal services; 2.2. Regularly patrolling ‘cat curfew’ areas and nature reserves; and 2.3. Consulting communities.

3. Regulations must be enforced in order to be effective, this should involve; 3.1. The clear establishment of warning systems and fines for non-compliant pet owners, especially in declared ‘cat curfew’ areas; 3.2. Regular patrolling of Nature Reserves by Park Rangers allowing provision for: 3.2.1. On the spot fines for owners walking dogs off leash in nature reserves; and 3.3. Regular patrolling of ’cat curfew areas’ by Domestic Animal Services supported by; 3.3.1. The construction of a cattery at Domestic Animal Services.

4. Community engagement regarding domestic animal management should; 4.1. Encourage the public to report free roaming animals to domestic animal services; 4.2. Educate residents regarding the health and welfare benefits of restraining pets; and 4.3. Direct pet owners to viable alternatives such as outdoor cat runs and dog off leash areas and/or or dog parks.

References and Further Reading Barratt, D. G 1997, Predation by House Cats, Felis catus (L.), in Canberra, Australia. I. Prey Composition and Preference, Applied Ecology Research Group, University of Canberra, Australia.

Conservation Council ACT Region of the South East Region and Canberra 2003, Options for the Protection of Sensitive Fauna in Mulligans Flat and Gooroo Nature Reserves from the Impacts of Domestic Cats,

Domestic Animals Act 2000 (ACT)

Environmental Defenders Office (ACT) (EDO) 2010, Biodiversity and Domestic Animals, Fact Sheet 7, March 2010,

Lloyd et al 2013, Quantifying free-roaming domestic cat predation using animal-borne video cameras, Biodiversity Conservation 160:183-189

Rattenbury, Shane 2013, Letter to Ms Waltraud Pix dated 12 April 2013, Office of the Minister for Territory and Municipal Services

Territory and Municipal Services (TAMS) 2013, Where can I take my dog? Territory and Municipal Services website, Last accessed December 2013 http://www.tams.act.gov.au/city- services/pets/keeping_dogs_in_the_act/where_can_i_take_my_dog

Managing the Urban Edge – Discussion Paper 2013 20

Invasive Plant Species

Principle

Invasive plants need to be managed proactively, with threats being identified and addressed before they spread. Known or potentially invasive plants should not be planted close to areas of ecological value.

Significance Invasive plant species can have negative impacts on habitat quality, biodiversity, and aesthetics. Invasive plants can outcompete and even replace local species, particularly when native ecosystems are already under stress from outside factors such as the urban edge effects discussed in this document. Their spread is also facilitated by these factors, including introduction by domestic animals, soil disturbance through the construction of roads and infrastructure, seed transport on maintenance machinery, changes in fire regimes, increased access and recreation leading to the introduction of plants on vehicle tyres, shoes or through the dumping of garden refuse and direct spread from suburban gardens.

Invasive plant species can also harbour or encourage pest animal species that compete with or threaten native wildlife. Similarly, native species composition can become disturbed when the existence of exotic species benefits one species more than others. For example, the prevalence of exotic winter-berry producing plants in home gardens has facilitated the survival rate of young Pied Currawongs (Strepera graculina). The adult Currawongs then increase their predation on the nests of small woodland birds, many of which are rare or threatened in the ACT.

Existing situation ParkCare groups and Territory and Municipal Services work hard on weed control. Nevertheless, weed control is expensive, time consuming and often has limited effectiveness, particularly when budgets and priorities are variable. While actions to control existing invasive plants are essential, it is equally important to reduce the spread of new and existing invasive species into areas of ecological value. The management plan of the Canberra Nature Park (DUS 1999) recognizes that “one of the greatest potential sources of new weed invasion is from horticultural plants escaping from suburban gardens adjacent to [Canberra Nature Park]” (DUS 199:35). This means that the avoidance of known or potentially invasive species in urban landscaping is critical to strategically reducing the problem.

The key guiding legislation for invasive species is the Pest Plants and Animals Act 2005. The associated Declaration Pest Plants and Animals (Pest Plants) 2009 No:1 lists the declared pest plants of the ACT. The declared plants are required to be actively managed according to the categories of notification, suppression, containment and prohibition. Because all plants require action and management plans, some plants that are considered invasive elsewhere, but have not yet become problematic in the ACT, and some plants which are already common in the ACT are excluded. Some of these plants may become a significant threat if they become introduced into areas of ecological value.

Managing the Urban Edge – Discussion Paper 2013 21 Because these plants are not declared pest plants, and many of those that are have not been prohibited, they are often readily available for purchase. Some of these plants, such as Morning Glory (Convovulus cneorum) are regularly included in the landscaping of new developments due to their hardy nature. Others, such as the known ACT escapee Rosemary Grevillea (Grevillea rosemarinifolia) are issued free to the owners of newly built homes through the Yarralumla Nursery as part of a the Act Government ‘Free Plant Issue Scheme’ to preserve our ‘garden city’. This means that known or potentially invasive plants are being planted close to areas of ecological value.

Several different lists and brochures, many of them endorsed by the ACT government have been created by various groups in an attempt to combat this issue such as “Are your garden plants going bush?” by the Australian Native Plants Society, “Grow me Instead” by the Nursery & Garden Industry” and the “Molonglo Catchment Weed Information Pack” by the Molonglo Catchment Group. New developments such as that described in Our Experience – Edge Friendly Plantings at “The Fair” North Watson (p 22)), have already created localised lists that identify plants to be avoided and plants to be encouraged. Appropriate plants to be encouraged were adapted from the planting list developed by BoB Molonglo and plants to be avoided were based on the experiences of the local ParkCare Group.

Our Experience

Edge-friendly planting at ‘The Fair’

The development of “The Fair” at North Watson is quite unusual in that it was not only landscaped prior to the residents moving in, but it also has ongoing landscaping and maintenance under a Community Title Agreement. This situation means that if a resident wishes to alter their front garden, they are required by contract to have their plans approved by the Community Title Manager.

In an effort to avoid the spread of invasive plant species and improve connectivity with the adjacent Majura Nature Reserve, the North Watson Bush on the Boundary group reviewed the initial landscaping design, including its planting list. There were several replacements made to favour locally endemic species and remove potentially invasive plant species. Unfortunately, there were some issues with version control that resulted in incorrect plantings and the necessity of physically removing and replacing plants.

Before the approval of “The Fair” development, the Environment Protection Authority had recommended that woodland trees and shrubs grown from locally sourced seed be grown adjacent to the Majura Nature Reserve and in open areas within the site, the retention of “all high value, and where possible medium value trees, especially the old growth trees” and the avoidance of known invasive species. Had these recommendations been addressed at an earlier stage of development or made compulsory, for example by attaching conditions to the Development Approval, the ongoing need to replace weed species in North Watson may not have occurred.

To solve this issue, and to ensure the continuation of ecological considerations in future landscaping at “The Fair”, BoB members and the landscapers collaboratively created a list of acceptable and not acceptable species. The list was incorporated into Community Title Management as a reference point for approving resident alterations and designing future landscape changes. A short and accessible version was provided to residents as a part of their community engagement kits.

Managing the Urban Edge – Discussion Paper 2013 22

Recommendations

1. Review the declared Pest Plants under the Pest Plants and Animals Act 2005: 1.1. in consultation with ParkCarers and Catchment Groups to determine which species are invading; with a view 1.2. to develop a further category which identifies plants as potentially invasive and bans their sale, propagation or purchase as a precautionary principle but does not require action on existing plants. The destruction, notification or containment of all existing plants may be impractical and be met with public resistance. 2. Create an ACT wide list of plants to be avoided near areas of ecological value and of local species which should be used to replace them and incorporate this into: 2.1. future landscape planning located nearby to areas of ecological value; 2.2. the upcoming review of ‘The Urban Design Guidelines for Urban Infrastructure - 23 Plant Species for Urban Landscape Projects”; and 2.3. community engagement projects, with a particular focus on point of sale such as ‘The Free Plants Scheme’ issued through Yarralumla Nursery. 3. Engage residents regarding the impacts of invasive plants and alternatives to their use in residential gardens.

References and Further Reading Australian Native Plant Society, Are your garden plants going bush?, Brochure.

Declaration 2009 No. 1 Pest Plants and Animals (Pest Plants), Pest Plants and Animals Act 2005 (ACT)

Department of Urban Services 1999, Management Plan 1999 – Canberra Nature Park, Conservation Series No. 14, Canberra.

Department of Urban Services, Design Standards for Urban Infrastructure - 23 Plant Species for Urban Landscape Projects, Canberra.

Debus S. J. S. (2006) The role of intense nest predation in the decline of Scarlet Robins and Eastern Yellow Robins in remnant woodland near Armidale, New South Wales'

Molonglo Catchment Group, Molonglo Catchment Weed Information Pack, Fact Sheets

Nursery & Garden Industry, Grow me Instead, Brochure.

Pest Plants and Animals Act 2005 (ACT).

Territory and Municipal Services 2013, Free Plant Issue Scheme, retrieved 29 May 2013, http://www.tams.act.gov.au/city-services/yarralumla_nursery/free_plant_issue_scheme .

Managing the Urban Edge – Discussion Paper 2013 23

Fire Management

Principles

Ecological assets should be protected alongside lives and property.

Asset Protection Zones should be incorporated within the urban footprint of the development wherever possible

Asset Protection Zones should be located outside areas of ecological value where there is a risk that hazard reduction measures will impact on those values.

Significance Fire management is undertaken for two primary reasons, (a) to enhance and maintain ecological values and (b) to reduce the risk of bushfire damage to assets. In areas where the urban edge abuts areas of ecological value, the need to manage these two objectives simultaneously becomes more vital. Depending on factors including environmental conditions and proximity to assets a range of fire management techniques may be employed. These include no action, controlled burns, slashing, grazing, removal of woody debris and/or the installation of fire management infrastructure. Where these actions are undertaken for the primary objective of bushfire hazard reduction, they may pose risks to environmental values. For example, when controlled burns are undertaken at regular intervals to reduce fuel loads, they may change the fire regime within the managed area. This has the potential to significantly alter the ecosystem, for example by eliminating plants which are sensitive to changes in fire regimes (the frequency and intensity of fires). By contrast, the total elimination of fire within an area, may negatively impact on species that rely upon regular fire in order to propagate. Other types of hazard reduction also have the potential to impact on ecological values such as those that involve removing rocks and preparing the site for slashing. These activities may destroy habitat and shelter for insects, lizards and small mammals. Similarly, associated fire management infrastructure, such as access points or roads, can have negative impacts such as erosion or compaction, as described in Our Experience – Fire Access at “The Fair” North Watson (p 25).

Existing situation Canberra has a long history of bushfire occurrence and an urban edge that abuts an area of ecological value may poses a particularly high risk to lives and property. As a consequence the ACT Strategic Bushfire Management Plan imposes strict management guidelines in the area adjacent to the urban edge, referred to as the Ember Zone. This management occurs within Asset Protection Zones. The Inner Asset Protection Zone extends from the Ember Zone to a distance of 10-30 metres, and the Outer Asset Protection Zone extends beyond this to a distance of 100 – 300 metres depending on the vegetation type and associated fire risk. This means that hazard reduction activities can occur on perimeters up to 330 meters wide.

In the past, Outer Asset Protection Zones have regularly been designated within areas of ecological value. This situation has begun to change in recent years with the development of Molonglo. The Molonglo NES plan requires an Outer Asset Zone to be located outside the Kama Nature Reserve in order to protect its nationally significant ecological values. This is laudable but a lack of clear policy in this area means that these issues must be renegotiated with each new

Managing the Urban Edge – Discussion Paper 2013 24 development proposed next to an area of ecological Our Experience value, resulting in conflict and projected profit loss, as Fire Access at ‘The described in Our Experience - Renegotiating Asset Protection Fair’ – North Watson Zones in Coombs - Molonglo (p

26). Similarly, many new The Fire Management Plan for “The Fair” development in North suburbs have incorporated Watson required the installation of fire access gates to the edge roads into planning. As a Mount Majura Nature Reserve. While these gates were installed consequence, backyards do not as required, several of the access areas were unsuitable for fire directly abut areas of ecological truck access. Furthermore, the developer was only required to value and fire risk is reduced. install temporary mitigation measures to reduce negative impacts on the access areas such as erosion and compaction. As Asset protection zones have a consequence, severe erosion has been observed at the sites traditionally been designed to following rain. protect lives and property. A significant change in the 2009 ACT Strategic Bushfire Management Plan 2009 was the recognition of the importance of protecting environmental assets. This is a good step forward, as is the ACT Government’s Ecological Guidelines for Fuel and Fire Management Operations that give specific advice on protecting ecological values during bushfire hazard reduction measures. These documents demonstrate that even where Asset Protection Zones already exist within areas of ecological value, flexibility in approach can mean that impacts are minimised without necessarily compromising the protection of lives and property.

There are numerous pressures on managers that may influence the degree to which these guidelines are adhered such as time or economic constraints, and the higher value placed on urban asset protection requirements. Furthermore, anecdotal evidence suggests that community perceptions regarding the need for fire management often demands visible and substantial action, which may preclude ecological conditions such as a preference for slashing over burning or the need for patchy fire mosaic patterns. This factor suggests a need for community education regarding ecological considerations in fire management.

There is a similar need for community participation in reducing fire risk. The ACT Strategic Bushfire Management Plan identified that suburban fuels caused 50% of house losses in Canberra’s 2003 bushfires and that the majority of fire ignitions had human causes. Addressing this situation would suggest a requirement for diverting a considerable percentage of the energies directed toward bushfire hazard reduction to working with communities to reduce fire ignitions and the fuel load within the Ember Zone itself. This need for community participation is recognised within the ACT Strategic Bushfire Management Plan 2009.

This does not mean that ecological fuel reduction is not a significant concern. Studies by Gibbons et al (2012) demonstrated that having less than 5% tree and shrub cover within 40m of houses and no groups of trees and shrubs within 100m were likely to be two of the most effective methods of reducing house loss and was considerably more effective than broadscale ecological fuel reduction. Asset Protection Zones are consequently an essential element of fire management, underscoring the importance of managing them optimally. The most effective way to achieve this is to locate them outside of areas of ecological value, so that all necessary action can be undertaken without compromise.

Managing the Urban Edge – Discussion Paper 2013 25

Our Experience

Renegotiating Asset Protection Zones in Coombs - Molonglo

The Development Application for the suburb of Coombs in Lower Molonglo located significant parts of the Outer Protection Zone in the Molonglo river corridor. Some of the affected areas also fell within the habitat of the nationally listed vulnerable endangered Pink-tailed Worm-lizard (Aprasia parapulchella). This application did not detail the intended hazard reduction measures for this area.

The Pink-tailed Worm-lizard lives under rocks in grassland, grassy woodland and woodland communities (Wong et al 2011). This meant that there was a risk that hazard reduction activities could impact on the habitat of this significant reptile, for example in the removal of habitat rocks in order to prepare the area for slashing. In an effort to reduce the likelihood of these impacts, the Conservation Council ACT Region appealed the decision of ACTPLA to approve the Development Application in the ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal (ACAT) during 2011-12. An agreement was reached at the mediation stage with the Land Development Agency agreeing to remove the Outer Asset Protection Zone from the Pink-tailed Worm-lizard habitat, until the matter could be further considered in the Statutory Plan of Management for the River Corridor.

As a solution to this difficult situation, the ACT Government is investigating innovative management techniques which have the potential to protect human assets while not only maintaining but also potentially enhancing the habitat of the Pink-tailed Worm-lizard.

Recommendations

1. Government policy should require Asset Protection Zones to be located outside areas of ecological value where there is a risk that bushfire management techniques could impact on those values.

2. Land development proposals and considerations of their profitability must be based on the provision for Asset Protection Zones outside areas of ecological value, where there is a risk that bushfire management techniques could impact on those values.

3. Site developers should complement Asset Protection Zones with other fire management provisions such as perimeter roads, appropriate access for fire fighting equipment and landscaping.

4. Community participation programs should: 4.1. educate residents regarding ecological considerations in fire management; and 4.2. facilitate individual and community action to reduce suburban fuels and human ignitions.

5. Where fire management does occur in areas of ecological value, it must be in accordance with measures to protect this value. These measures should be based on the best available science and innovation regarding not only the fire response of the ecological value at hand, but also the likelihood of other impacts such as erosion or compaction. The efficacy of this management should be monitored.

Managing the Urban Edge – Discussion Paper 2013 26 References and Further reading Conservation, Planning and Research 2012, Ecological Guidelines for Fuel and Fire Management Operations, Environment and Sustainable Directorate, ACT Government, Canberra.

Emergency Services ACT 2009, Strategic Bushfire Management Plan for the ACT Version 2, ACT Government, Canberra.

Gibbons, P, van Bommel, L, Gill, AM, Cary, GJ, Driscoll, DA et al. 2012, ‘Land management practices associated with house loss in wildfires,’ PLOS ONE , vol. 7, no.1, e2912.

Wong, DTY, Jones, SR, Osborne, WS, Brown, GW, Robertson, P, Michael, DR & Kay, GM 2011, ‘The Life history and ecology of the Pink-tailed Worm-lizard Aprasia parapulchella Kluge – a review’, Australian Zoologist, vol 35, no. 4, pp. 927–940.

Managing the Urban Edge – Discussion Paper 2013 27

Mature Trees

Principles

Mature trees, and their associated vegetation, have significant ecological values which should be retained where possible.

The continuation of mature trees in the landscape requires the retention and planting of trees in a range of age classes.

Mature Trees need to be identified early and managed before, during and after development.

Significance Mature trees, and their associated vegetation, are considered keystone ecological structures. This means they have an essential role in the ecosystem at a landscape scale. As such, the number of mature trees can have a marked effect on the number and range of native species that can co-exist with humans in the urban environment. This keystone nature of mature trees enables them to provide “stepping stones” for some species across largely cleared landscapes. This role is vital to addressing connectivity issues.

Mature trees support a range of associated vegetation. By providing shelter, food, nesting opportunities and movement corridors, these structures in turn support a range wildlife. For example, the hollows that form on mature trees and dead trees, are critical for the survival of over 300 species of native animals, including various species of bats, birds, possums, gliders and reptiles (Gibbons 2002). These hollows can take 100- 200 years to form. This means that once a mature tree is lost, it will take more than a century to replace. As a consequence, many of these species are threatened, as described in Our Experience – Supporting the Superb Parrot (p 28).

Existing situation

The Tree Protection Act 2005 Our Experience regulates damage to large mature trees on leased land, and regulated Supporting the Superb or registered trees. The ACT Parrot in Harrison Government designs and implements Tree Management Plans for all registered trees to individually manage The Gungaderra Heritage Lane in Harrison is a good example of their health and longevity. retaining mature trees along a creek line and old heritage road, which functions as a movement corridor for Superb Parrots and While this is a good basis, the Tree other wildlife through the suburb and into the nearby Protection Act 2005 neglects Goorooyararoo Nature Reserve. The lane also provides a lovely consideration of the retention of recreation space for residents. mature trees into the future. That is, immature trees that have the potential to grow to a large size are allowed to be damaged or removed. Noting that regardless of how well they are protected, trees have a limited natural

Managing the Urban Edge – Discussion Paper 2013 28 lifespan, this situation means that as mature trees and their associated values are lost, they are not necessarily being replaced in the landscape.

Furthermore, there is no provision in the Tree Protection Act 2005 for the protection of trees which are on public land such as reserves, nature strips and land Our Experience designated for future development, unless they are registered. This means that there is no requirement to Creating an Urban retain mature trees in the public Forest in Forde landscape or during urban development and that they may be removed during development as The Forde development adjacent to the Mulligan’s Flat Nature Reserve, retained many large mature eucalypts within adjacent described in Our Experience – Lost parkland or walking paths. This measure increases the Opportunities at Crace (p 29). connectivity between the reserve and the new suburb whilst also providing important habitat and a sense of local bush An exception to this is the provision in character. Forde is now considered a highly desirable the Environment Protection and investment and place to live. Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 for the protection of trees that are threatened species, form part of threatened communities or

provide habitat for threatened species. If the proposed development will impact on a registered tree, the Planning and Development Act 2007 requires its referral to the Conservator for Flora and Fauna and the creation of a Tree Management Plan.

While many are destroyed during urban development, there is an increasing tendency to Our Experience retain a few key mature trees in the new landscape as demonstrated in Our Experience – Lost Opportunities Creating an Urban Forest in Forde (p 29). The is a positive change, however, unless they are

at Crace registered trees under the Tree Protection Act

2005 they are not subject to Tree Management Many eucalypts over 100 years were lost during the Plans and subsequently do not have adequate development of Crace. This resulted in lost provisions for managing their health and opportunities to retain ecological values such as longevity. This means that they may die or be habitat, connectivity and visual amenity within the removed well before their natural lifespan. suburb. Unhealthy trees, old trees, or trees which grow beyond their allocated space, are not aesthetically pleasing and present a danger to lives and property. At this stage even regulated or registered trees can be removed under the Tree Protection Act 2005. The consequence of this is that for many trees that are retained in development, their loss is delayed rather than averted.

Finally, the Tree Protection Act 2005 considers trees as stand alone structures. Similarly, the retention of mature trees during developments is regularly achieved without its associated vegetation. The vegetation is often removed and replaced with bark chips or new, less established and complex plantings. This approach neglects the importance of remnant associated vegetation in retaining the health and ecological values of mature trees.

Managing the Urban Edge – Discussion Paper 2013 29

Recommendations

1. Retain the health and longevity of mature trees by: 1.1. registering those which have significant ecological value according to the Tree Protection Act 2005; and 1.2. designing and implementing Tree Management Plans that consider current and future needs and avoid potential impacts on lives and property.

2. Retain the ecological values of mature trees by: 2.1. conserving clumps of trees and trees which can be used as stepping stones to enhance connectivity; 2.2. protecting the associated vegetation; and 2.3. retaining hollow-bearing trees and trees which are used by endangered species for nesting, feeding or movement corridors.

3. Ensure the continued existence of mature trees in the future by; 3.1. retaining trees in a range of age classes; and 3.2. allowing for regeneration or planting new trees in appropriate locations for their health, longevity and ecological values.

4. During new urban developments manage mature trees by: 4.1. undertaking an early and thorough assessment of their role of within a whole of landscape context; and 4.2. planning urban infrastructure and design around their health, longevity, ecological values and continuation.

References and Further Reading Cooper, M 2010, Investigation into the Government’s tree management practices and the renewal of Canberra’s urban forest’, Office of the Commissioner for Sustainability and the Environment, Canberra.

Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Commonwealth)

Gibbons, P & Lindemeyer, D 2002, Tree Hollows and Wildlife Conservation in Australia, CSIRO Publishing, Collingwood.

Planning and Development Act 2007 (ACT).

Tarran, J 2009, Improving Canberra’s Sustainability: Why urban canopy and other vegetation matters, ACT Planning and Land Authority, Canberra.

Tree Protection Act 2005 (ACT).

Ikin, KM 2012, ‘Conservation planning and management of habitat for a diverse bird community in urban and future urban areas’, Thesis (Ph.D.), Australian National University, Cnaberra.

Managing the Urban Edge – Discussion Paper 2013 30

Rural Leases

Principles

Rural Leaseholders should be given the opportunity to be involved in decision- making processes that affect their land.

Rural Leaseholders should be supported in protecting and enhancing the ecological values on their land, with particular consideration for managing urban edge effects.

Where the urban edge approaches rural land with environmental value, urban edge principles should guide management action.

Significance Rural Leasehold land often has significant ecological values. They may contain threatened species, endangered ecological communities, have high habitat values for plants and animals or retain connectivity values. Urban edge effects put extra pressures and expenses on rural lessees in managing their land. Unfortunately, uncertainties about the development cycle, particularly whether their land will be acquired, pose a challenge and a disincentive to sustainable land management. While many leaseholders are motivated enough to continue best practice, they risk running at a loss if they are not careful.

Existing situation Many ecological values exist outside of reserves and other protected areas. For example 13% of threatened species and 21% of critically endangered species Australia-wide exist outside of reserves (Watson et al 2011). Where urban development encroaches on unprotected ecological values such as these, specific management actions are required to address the issues discussed in this policy document. The creation of new reserves requires significant initial and ongoing funding and resources, which may not be available. Our Experience This means that reservation it is not always the best Protecting Earless Dragons option. As a consequence, the protection and enhancement of in Jerrabomberra ecological values on a landscape scale requires off-reserve In the Jerrabomberra Valley, Conservator’s Directions have been conservation and management. applied to leases that contain populations of the endangered Grassland Earless Dragon and the endangered Natural Temperate Grassland Community. The Directions allow for a higher level of protection for conservation values through the application of restricted activities. Unfortunately the efficacy of these Directions is unknown because the results of any monitoring and evaluation exist within documents which are in confidence.

Managing the Urban Edge – Discussion Paper 2013 31 Our Experience

Keeping down the weeds in Aranda

The Friends of Aranda Bushland (FOAB) have spent twenty years removing weeds, controlling erosion and planting local species in the Aranda Bushland/Snow Gums heritage area. One of the major problems in weed control is the spread of weeds from the adjoining rural lease into the nature park area. The western rural lease paddock was formerly used for horse agistment, but has been unoccupied for several years. It is heavily infested with Patterson’s Curse, which is highly poisonous to horses, and St. John’s Wort, also poisonous and invasive.

FOAB complained to the Commissioner for the Environment and Sustainability on the absence of weed control on the lease land. An extensive reply was received, after discussion between the Commissioner and ESDD and TAMS.

The lack of transparency on Land Management Agreements, and the apparent absence of implementation of what they purport to contain, make complaints on weeds to ACT Government Departments difficult. Nevertheless, FOAB was pleased that the Commissioner’s response to their complaint resulted in PCL employing a contractor to spray St. John’s Wort on the rural lease area, which was well done and effective.

Because many ecological values exist on rural land, the management of rural leases is an important part of off-reserve conservation and management. This situation requires the sensitive balancing of the requirements of ecological systems with the needs of the leaseholder. The edge effects arising from urban areas place considerable extra costs and pressure on rural lessors in managing the ecological values on their land. These can include trespassers, domestic animals, weeds, waste dumping and increased native herbivore grazing. Furthermore, the impacts and uncertainties that are associated with new developments, such as the possibility of land acquisition, can provide a disincentive to invest in sustainable land management techniques.

Conservator’s Directions and Land Management Agreements provide existing measures for the protection of lands, while still allowing for the continuation of primary land use as described in Our Experience – Protecting Earless Dragons in Jerrabomberra (p 31). Under Part 7 of the Nature Conservation Act, the conservator has the power to provide directions to the occupier of land for the protection of native plants, animals and timber that exist upon that land. These directions are associated with time limits and penalties for non-compliance. Land Management Agreements, which are required for all rural lessees under the Planning and Development ACT 2007 (ACT), are often used as the enabling instrument for implementing these directions. These are reviewed every five years.

Whilst Conservator’s Directions and Land Management Agreements are a good step forward, there remain concerns with monitoring, transparency and enforceability, as Described in Our Experience - Keeping down the weeds in Aranda (p31). Furthermore, many rural lessees have had difficulty in finding the capacity to meet their obligations. There is also concern regarding the inability for conservation minded leaseholders to voluntarily opt into these measures to protect the ecological values on their land.

The option of Conservation Covenants with local councils or governments is available to rural lessees in several other states, such as the NSW system of Conservation Agreements. These allow leaseholders to voluntarily alter the title of their land so that conservation measures on all, or part, of their land perpetuate beyond individual leaseholders. The management requirements

Managing the Urban Edge – Discussion Paper 2013 32 associated with these measures are separate to the title so that they can be updated regularly to reflect best available science. In an effort to assist with the extra demands required in managing land for conservation, landholder support, management advice and tax exemptions and concessions are usually made available.

Annual payments for up to 15 years are available to support long-term measures such as these, through the national ‘Caring for Country’ Environmental Stewardship Program. Unlike other similar programs, the Environment Stewardship Program has developed a cost–effective and comprehensive monitoring to determine effectiveness, support landholder capacity and inform adaptive management.

The NSW example has the potential to be developed into a system of ‘Conservation Leases’ in the ACT where rural lessees are provided with sufficient support to voluntarily implement effective long-term conservation management on their land.

Recommendations

1. Measures for protecting and enhancing ecological values while still allowing for the continuation of the primary land uses should be: 1.1. regularly reviewed to incorporate best available science; 1.2. sufficiently monitored, including base-line studies, to assess effectiveness, allow for adaptive management and ensure a rigorous compliance process; and 1.3. made publically available, along with monitoring results, to allow for transparency and accountability.

2. Where rural land with ecological value abuts an urban edge, the potential for applying a Conservator’s Direction should be evaluated and implemented where applicable.

3. For areas of higher ecological value, the introduction of a system of Conservation Leases (both voluntary and mandatory), based on the NSW system of Conservation Agreements, should be introduced and funded by the ACT Government.

4. A state-level Environmental Stewardship Program should be developed and implemented to assist in the costs of retaining areas of ecological value on rural lands, particularly where these values are threatened by urban edge effects. Developers should be encouraged to contribute funding toward the program as part of their offsets.

5. Rural lessees should be considered key stakeholders and enabled to participate in development and planning to a degree which reflects this.

Managing the Urban Edge – Discussion Paper 2013 33

References and Further reading Environmental Defenders Office 2008, Rural Landholder’s Guide to Environmental Law in NSW, Environmental Defenders Office, Sydney.

Environmental Defenders Office 2011, A Guide to Private Conservation in NSW, Environmental Defenders Office, Sydney.

Lindenmayer, DB, Zammit, C, Attwood, SJ, Burns, E, Shepherd, CL, et al 2012, ‘A novel and cost- effective monitoring approach for outcomes in an Australian biodiversity conservation incentive program’, PLOS ONE vol. 7, no. 12, e:50872.

Natural Heritage Trust 2013, Gifts that keep on giving, a landholder’s guide to land protection and conservation options, Australian Government.

Watson, JEM, Evans, MC, Carwardine, J, Fuller, RA, Joseph, LN, Segan, DB, Taylor, MFJ, Fensham, RJ & Possingham, HP 2011 ‘The Capacity of Australia's Protected-Area System to Represent Threatened Species’, Conservation Biology, vol. 25, no. 2, pp. 324–332.

Managing the Urban Edge – Discussion Paper 2013 34

Roads and Infrastructure

Principles

Planning, design and maintenance of roads and other infrastructure should take into account ecological values, constraints and opportunities for the lowest possible impact on the natural environment.

Impacts on ecological values occur both during the construction phase and through ongoing operation and existence.

Infrastructure developments should not be located within areas of high ecological value where there is a risk of compromising those values.

Significance The construction, operation and placement of roads and Our Experience infrastructure can impact significantly on the ecological values of the site and adjacent land. Sending power underground The construction phase has the potential to destroy vegetation and damages habitat for wildlife. There is Many new developments in Canberra are opting for also the potential for air-borne or underground powerlines, primarily for aesthetic reasons and the reliability of power during storms. These engineering water-borne waste and pollutants to solutions may also have considerable environmental benefits. impact upon adjacent land reducing its Overhead powerlines require the alteration or removal of ecological functioning and directly adjacent vegetation, particularly large mature trees, and affecting plants and animals. Clearing regular fire control. This has flow on impacts on connectivity, vegetation removes habitat, alters species composition and the prevalence of invasive plant water flows and in turn can lead to species. eroding soils. Fences and roads can also affect connectivity across the The alternative installation of underground powerlines may landscape as described in Our have an initially greater impact on the environment by removing vegetation as well as disturbing rocks and soil. Experience – Kangaroo grazing at However, unlike overhead powerlines, they are less at risk of Mount Majura Nature Reserve (p 14). fire or damage and the site has greater potential for restoration. The potential to replace existing powerlines with The ongoing use and operation of roads underground versions is an issue of debate in the Canberra and infrastructure can continue to have community. It may raise house values by 3%, but is also likely impacts on connectivity from its to cost homeowners several thousand dollars. construction to future use. Ongoing operation also requires the protection of property and users, which often requires regular vegetation management or removal and may require bushfire risk management, which can alter fire regimes. The existence of roads and infrastructure also facilitates increased public access that can result in high impact activities such as littering and off-road driving. This increased access combined with the removal of remnant vegetation and changes to fire regimes can also encourage the growth and spread of invasive species.

Managing the Urban Edge – Discussion Paper 2013 35

Our Experience

Paving the way for Gundaroo Road

During the development of Bonner, the ACT Government prepared a proposal to upgrade Gundaroo Road, from the new suburb to the ACT border. The initial design provided for a dual carriage way combined with significant earth-works to remove bends and even out the road surface. This would have required the removal of over 100 trees and major changes to road batters. The overall impact of this work would have been to seriously impact on Mulligans Flat nature reserve through which the road passed. The reserve is intended to protect one of the largest, last remaining pieces of Yellow Box Red Gum Grassy Woodland left in Australia. The road, if built to the initial design, would have severely affected animal movements across the road and through the canopy and exacerbated already poor drainage flowing into the reserve.

Several community and Government groups entered into discussions with ACT Roads about the proposal and through a collaborative and consultative process a new design for the road was negotiated. The road, as now built, provides for the required transport access, while at the same time construction impacts were reduced to an acceptable level that protected the nature reserve. The road also provides for and enhances connectivity for kangaroos and other animals. The improved design greatly reduced the required earthworks and number of trees removed, and improves drainage of storm-water. The cooperation by all parties led to an unusual conclusion, in that no environmental impact assessment was required under ACT and Commonwealth legislation, it was a win-win outcome for all involved.

A key to this positive outcome was the willingness of the proponent (ACT Roads) to consider and work on new and innovative option. Another key element was the suggestion by an independent engineer, contacted by community groups to install a small roundabout on the ACT/NSW border. This measure slowed traffic from NSW and was complemented by regular messages to remind drivers that the road is adjacent to a nature reserve and that wildlife also use it. Construction works were greatly helped by close liaison between the contractors and the ACT Parks and Conservation Service rangers who identified key roadside vegetation that needed protection, kangaroo crossing routes and opportunities to mitigate impacts.

A project reinforced the critical importance of:

• early consultation with all stakeholders and establishing a measure of trust in their professional, technical and environmental credentials • providing opportunities to identify issues and options (however unlikely or unusual), and understanding of the requirements of other parties (e.g. safety, construction practicalities, ecological assets and unseen processes) and • all parties providing sufficient time for a consultative process to be worked through, particularly where this involves the voluntary contributions of the community.

Managing the Urban Edge – Discussion Paper 2013 36 Existing situation Proposed developments which are considered likely to have significant adverse environmental impact on (amongst other things) a matter protected under the Nature Conservation Act 1980 are required to refer the project to the ACT Government (Environment & Sustainable Development Directorate), for consideration under the ACT Planning and Development Act 2007. Furthermore, if a project is considered likely to have a significant impact on a matter of National Environmental Significance (of which one is ‘Listed threatened species and ecological communities’), the proponent of the action is required to refer the project to the Commonwealth for assessment and approval under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.

Notwithstanding assessment under environmental legislation, some roads and infrastructure are located within areas of very significant ecological value. Unfortunately, some natural areas are considered as “empty spaces” in which to locate vital support systems for cities and towns.

The Environment Protection Guidelines for Construction and Land Development in the Act (EPA 2011) expands on the provisions of the Environment Protection Act 1997 and the Water Resources Act 2007 to guide design, construction, operation and maintenance. The primary focus of this document relates to pollution including air, water and noise. There are similar provisions within the Waste Minimization Act 2001 and the Building Act 2003 to reduce industry waste during construction and to process and contain it on site, where practicable. This attention to waste and pollution is positive, however there are concerns with compliance. Furthermore, waste and pollution form only one part of a range of direct and indirect impacts.

There are innovative design and engineering solutions which can be used to minimize the impacts of roads and infrastructure such as those described in Our Experience – Kangaroo Grazing in Mount Majura (p 14) and Our Experience – Going with the flow in Amaroo Group Centre (p 45). While the use of these solutions is increasing, they do tend to have a high initial expense which often acts as a deterrent as described in Our Experience- Sending power underground (p 35). Avoided ongoing costs of managing or losing ecological values must be considered in these assessments.

Managing the Urban Edge – Discussion Paper 2013 37 Recommendations

1. Design new roads or infrastructure to minimise impacts on ecological value by:

1.1. exhausting every alternative to locating it in within areas of high ecological value;

1.2. utilising innovative engineering and design solutions to address issues related to water, fire management, invasive plants, access, mature trees and connectivity; and

1.3. building the cost of ecological management into construction and operation budgets. These costs could be paid by the proponent as part of an annual license fee to the land manager.

2. During construction minimise impacts on ecological values by:

2.1. implementing impact prevention measures before undertaking works e.g. using fences and erosion guards to prevent the leakage of waste and pollution (including noise and runoff) to adjacent areas; and

2.2. audit and enforce existing requirements such as those under the Waste Minimisation Act 2001, the Building Act 2003, the Planning and Development Act 2007 and the Environmental Protection Act.

3. Manage existing infrastructure for its impacts on ecological values through:

3.1. active action to restore and retain adjacent ecological values such as weed management, erosion control and appropriate restoration of vegetation cover;

3.2. controlling public access to the site;

3.3. using routine maintenance or upgrading works to implement innovative engineering solutions; and

3.4. explore opportunities for relocation of the facility to areas with lower impact.

Managing the Urban Edge – Discussion Paper 2013 38

References and Further Reading Boyd, C 2011, Would you pay for underground power cables, Canberra Times June 14 2011.

Building Act 2003 (ACT).

Environment Protection Authority (EPA) 2011, Environment Protection Guidelines for Construction and Land Development in the ACT, Canberra.

Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (ACT).

McNair, B 2009, House Prices and underground electricity distribution lines: the case of three selected suburbs in Canberra, Crawford School of Economics and Government, Occasional Papers, Environmental Management and Development, Canberra.

Nature Conservation Act 1980 (ACT).

Planning and Development Act 2007 (ACT).

Waste Minimisation Act 2001 (ACT).

Managing the Urban Edge – Discussion Paper 2013 39

Access and Recreation

Principles

Conservation should be a priority over recreation in areas of high ecological value.

Recreation in areas of ecological value should be: o passive; o oriented towards furthering appreciation of nature; and o designed in a manner that ensures minimal environmental impact.

Public access increases opportunities for high impact activities such as firewood collection, waste dumping and off-road driving and trail biking. The potential for these activities to impact on ecological values should be managed.

Significance Where urban areas approach areas of ecological value, demands and opportunities for public access are significantly increased. Increased public access increases the uptake of recreational activities, such as walking, cycling and dog walking. These activities are beneficial for health and can improve environmental awareness. Unfortunately, in excess, these activities can degrade ecological values by scaring wildlife, spreading weeds and increasing erosion.

Increased access and recreation often results in Our Experience areas of ecological value being used for illegal Waste and wildlife theft activities such as littering and waste dumping, off-road driving at Mount Majura and trail biking, running dogs off leash, firewood collection The Mount Majura Nature Reserve is easily accessed from and wildlife poaching. These Watson and Hackett. Regular visitors take advantage of its recreational opportunities by biking, running or walking along activities are difficult to numerous trails. Unfortunately, illegal activities associated with monitor and restrict and can this access are having impacts on the ecological values which result in significant impacts on make the reserve so popular. Mountain bikers are regularly ecological values. spotted on walking trails, reptiles are often poached and waste dumping has already become evident in adjacent to the recent Firewood collection removes development of “The Fair”. Similarly, cats and dogs are often trees, leaves, sticks and coarse seen roaming freely within the reserve. woody debris that provide habitat and nutrients for a range of plants and animals. Illegal waste dumping and littering spreads invasive species and can entangle or be ingested by native animals. Off road driving and trail biking also spreads invasive species, damages vegetation and degrades tracks and trails making them more susceptible to erosion.

Managing the Urban Edge – Discussion Paper 2013 40 Existing situation Canberra’s urban edge abuts extensive areas of ecological value providing easy public access. Recreation in these areas is valued highly by residents, with Canberran's being the most frequent users of nature reserves in the country (ABS 2013). This close relationship increases public connection to and awareness of the environment but has the potential to result in areas of ecological value being ‘loved to death’.

As new developments are created, the urban edge expands further increasing access opportunities and recreational burdens on areas of ecological value. If these opportunities and demands are not sufficiently managed they can lead to increased impacts for example through the informal creation of foot or bike trails along desire lines, which may impact directly on sensitive ecological values such as those described in Our Experience – Off Road around Black Mountain. (p 41)

The management plan for the Canberra Nature Park (DUS 1999) acknowledges that high impact activities such as waste dumping and littering are more prolific in easily accessible areas such as those described in Our Experience - Waste and wildlife at Mount Majura (p 40). Many of these higher impact activities are currently regulated through legislation. Littering and waste dumping, for example, is illegal under the Litter Act 2004. Territory and Municipal Services is responsible for managing the impacts of these activities, regulation and enforcement. Unfortunately, these activities are difficult to monitor and enforce leaving little deterrent to offenders.

To minimise these negative outcomes, there is a need to strategically assess the ACT’s current and potential recreational demands and investigate opportunities to minimize impacts and divert the burden to lower- value areas or activities of lower impact. Any such assessment must be done in direct consultation with the community to assess their desires or needs.

Our Experience

Off road adventures around Black Mountain

Black Mountain Reserve is situated directly in the city centre and is an extremely popular location to walk, ride or take in a panoramic view. This popularity is increased by the reserve’s high biodiversity. For example, the mountain is home to more orchid species than the entire United Kingdom. Unfortunately, informal trails have proliferated within the reserve, threatening these sensitive orchid colonies along with other important ecological values.

Managing the Urban Edge – Discussion Paper 2013 41 Recommendations

1. Public access should be limited in areas of particular concern or sensitivity

2. During new developments:

2.1. opportunities for low impact recreation should be built into overall urban design:;

2.2. low impact access points to desirable areas need to be identified; and

2.3. areas that are managed primary for conservation and areas that are to be managed primarily for recreation need to be clearly identified.

3. Develop an outdoor recreation strategy to guide the provision of recreation opportunities across the entire ACT in a manner that reduces the environmental impact on areas of ecological value.

4. Undertake community engagement during any access and recreation planning to:

4.1. determine community requirements, desires and motivations; and

4.2. improve understanding of the reasons behind necessary restrictions.

References and Further reading Department of Urban Services (DUS) 1999, Management Plan 1999 – Canberra Nature Park, Conservation Series No. 14, Canberra.

Litter Act 2004 (ACT).

Managing the Urban Edge – Discussion Paper 2013 42

Aquatic and Riparian Areas

Principles

Aquatic and riparian ecosystems should be managed in a manner that enhances ecosystem functioning in terms of flows, quality and aquatic connectivity.

New suburb planning should include the principles of ‘water sensitive urban design’: o Protecting our natural water systems o Managing storm water in ways that improve water quality o Reduces costs o Recycles o Is used for watering vegetation o Minimizes negative impact to natural aquatic and wetland areas o Improves the aesthetic environment

Significance Water is critical for the survival of all life on earth, including humans. For many plants and animals, this extends beyond the availability and cleanliness of water to include the environmental flow regimes. Water flow regimes are the rate, amount and regularity of water passing through its course. Environmental flows refer to the basic requirements ecosystems need to function effectively. These flows impact on the rate of erosion, the suitability of aquatic and riparian areas for habitat and connectivity, the cleanliness and clarity of the water and the likelihood of significant damage during unexpected weather events.

The ACT’s creeks and watercourses have evolved as slow moving series of ponds. The associated aquatic and riparian animals and plants have evolved to breed, feed and survive within the associated slow environmental flow regimes. These slow moving systems provide the additional benefit of filtering the water, keeping it clean and fresh. When urban areas exist near these watercourses, their flow regimes are often directly or indirectly altered, impacting on the ecological values of the aquatic and riparian areas.

One of the ways this occurs is through the increase in hard surfaces such as driveways, roads, footpaths, concrete channels and drains. Hard surfaces are often smooth and impermeable which means that the speed and amount of water travelling across them is greater than that of soft or varied surfaces such as soil and vegetation. As a consequence when the water reaches a softer area, such as a riverbank, it has a far greater impact and can result in erosion and sedimentation. Furthermore, because this water runs through urban areas, it can collect pollutants and solid waste such as petrol residues, fertilisers and litter and release them into sensitive watercourses.

A similar result can occur in the opposite situation, that is where soft surfaces are increased. This also occurs where surfaces have been altered, for example through the removal of vegetation or the increased acidity of soils during construction. This situation can lead to serious consequences including the removal of topsoil, making revegetation problematic once construction is complete. Topsoil may need to be replaced, as described in Our Experience –

Managing the Urban Edge – Discussion Paper 2013 43 Restoring the Molonglo (p 44), which can introduce weeds and chemicals to the ecosystems. Furthermore, the eroding topsoil washes into aquatic areas, increasing sedimentation and impacting on the clarity of the water. Water clarity is important not only for the functioning of the ecosystem but also human health.

More direct impacts can occur even where surfaces and watercourses have been specifically engineered to slow the rate of water passing through. Alterations to watercourse often create unsuitable habitat for animals and plants. When changes are made of a larger or more continuous scale, for example with dams and weirs, the connectivity functions of aquatic and riparian areas can be disturbed, impacting on the resilience of these, and associated, ecosystems.

Existing situation The ACT has several threatened aquatic and riparian species including the Macquarie Perch (Macquaria australasica), Silver Perch (Bidyanis bidyanus), the Murray River Crayfish (Euastacus armatus), Trout-cod (Maccullochella macquariensis) and Two-spined Blackfish (Gadopsis bispinosus) and Tuggeranong Lignum (Muehlenbeckia Tuggeranong). For the survival of these species, aquatic and riparian ecosystems need to meet habitat, breeding and connectivity requirements. This is especially important for waterways that provide key connectivity for aquatic species across large distances such as Murrumbidgee River. Unfortunately, the Murrumbidgee, like many of the ACT’s vital aquatic and riparian areas, has become seriously altered and degraded and is at increasing risk as urban areas expand.

Our Experience

Restoring the Molonglo

The development of the Molonglo Valley has the potential to impact on the ecological values of the Molonglo River and its riparian areas. Unfortunately, much of the riparian area has already degraded due to pine plantations and grazing. Nevertheless it still holds significant ecological values and has the potential to be rehabilitated.

Negotiating the ecological requirements of the river and its riparian zones alongside urban development has proved difficult. For example, sewerage systems were installed along the river to facilitate a gravity fed system. However, this resulted in the removal of vegetation and topsoil, resulting in erosion and sedimentation of the river. In order to halt the erosion, rapid revegetation was needed in the short term. Exotic species are cheap and fast growing, however this would have required the replacement of topsoil with commercially imported soil. Commercial topsoil has the potential to introduce weeds as does the planting of hardy and fast growing exotic species. This could have resulted in negative impacts on the biodiversity and habitat values of the area in the longer term. As a consequence, new solutions which balanced short and long term needs had to be investigated.

In order to protect the river corridor whilst simultaneously providing recreational amenities to the new residents, the ACT Government has produced a concept plan for the development of the ‘Molonglo River Park’. The plan aims to restore significant sections of the riparian zone and protect threatened species such as the Pink-tailed Worm-lizard (Aprasia Parapulchella). One challenge faced in the design of the Statutory Plan of Management for this area is that of avoiding the potential impacts resulting from increased access and recreational pressures.

Managing the Urban Edge – Discussion Paper 2013 44

Our Experience The importance

Going with the flow in

Amaroo

In an effort to demonstrate best practice outcomes, the Land Development Agency (LDA) retained control of the development of the Amaroo Group Centre. In an effort to incorporate the principles of Water Sensitive Urban Design, the LDA is utilising innovative “Strata Cell” technology. The cells are installed within the streetscape and filter storm water runoff. As an additional benefit, Strata Cells will redirect the runoff to irrigate the centre’s street trees. The cells will also support the root system of the street trees by providing them with the space, aeration and protection they require for health and growth. Preventative measures such as this are essential to ensuring the survival of trees to a mature age.

This solution has the potential to simultaneously reduce landscaping costs, improve stormwater quality, improve the aesthetic values and safety of the centre by supporting large healthy trees and have improved ecological outcomes for local waterways and tree dependent plants and wildlife. This example demonstrates the potential of new developments to trial solutions which could improve outcomes on multiple fronts.

of efficiently and strategically managing Canberra’s water has been recognised for more than a

decade as demonstrated by the ACT Government’s Think Water, Act Water Strategy (2002), the Water Resources Act 2007 and the Waterways Water Sensitive Urban Design General Code (2009) (currently under review). These policies recognize the importance of maintaining minimum environmental flows for the health of the ecosystem, using water more efficiently and maintaining water quality. These policies are beginning to take effect as demonstrated by Our Experience – Going with the Flow in Amaroo Group Centre (p 45).

This is a vast improvement considering that historically, little attention has been given to the management of the ecological values of aquatic and riparian areas as demonstrated by their absence from the Canberra Nature Park Management Plan (1999). Nevertheless, there is scope for broader application. For example, while some new developments have a deliberate focus on maintaining or improving aquatic and riparian ecosystems, as described in Our Experience – Restoring the Molonglo (p 44), others, such as West Macgregor and Jacka, have replaced waterways with drainage lines constructed of rough concrete and rocks.

This is an improvement over the smooth concrete channels exhibited in the older parts of Canberra in that it controls the speed of runoff, however, it remains uninhabitable for many aquatic and riparian organisms and disturbs connectivity. Furthermore, it does little to replace the filtering functions of its natural predecessor. Some locations have developed more natural features to better provide ecological functions, whilst providing aesthetic value such as Bonner. However, older examples, such as the Mackellar Wetlands, have been insufficiently maintained resulting in significant deterioration. This indicates a need for improved management of existing aquatic and riparian areas.

Managing the Urban Edge – Discussion Paper 2013 45 Recommendations

1. Replace concrete drainage with g rassed swales where possible to: 1.1. better regulate water flow; 1.2. improve habitat; 1.3. reduce hard surfaces; 1.4. filter pollutants and sediment; and 1.5. improve aesthetics.

2. Construct wetlands along urban drains to; 2.1. regulate water flow; 2.2. provide habitat; and 2.3. filter pollutants and sediment.

3. Manage aquatic and riparian areas by: 3.1. Reducing invasive plant infestations; 3.2. Retaining adequate ponds and riffle sections; and 3.3. Retaining and appropriately regulating environmental flows.

4. Investigate and incorporate innovative solutions to redistribute runoff from hard surfaces such as those described in Our Experience – Going with the flow in Amaroo (p 45)

5. Prioritise river works, such as in-stream structures, especially for waterways that provide key connectivity across large distances such as Murrumbidgee River. These structures can facilitate: 5.1. water temperature regulation; 5.2. aquatic animal passage (including reptiles and insects as well as fish); and 5.3. aquatic and riparian plant dispersal.

6. Ensure sediment and erosion control measures factor in changing flows and extreme weather conditions. These need to be put in place before and during: 6.1. construction; 6.2. ongoing use; and 6.3. restoration.

Managing the Urban Edge – Discussion Paper 2013 46

References and Further reading ACT Government, 2013, think water act water, retrieved 6 June 2013, http://www.thinkwater.act.gov.au/ .

ACT Planning and Land Authority 2009, Waterways Water Sensitive Urban Design General Code, ACT Government, Canberra.

CityGreen 2011. Strata Cell, CityGreen Website, URL: http://www.citygreen.com/products/structural-cells/stratacell/ Last Accessed 9 December 2013 Land Development Agency 2013, Annual Report 2012-2013, ACT Government Publishing Services, Australian Capital Territory URL http://www.lda.act.gov.au/?/home/about/reports Last Accessed 9 December 2013

Water Resources Act 2007 (ACT).

Managing the Urban Edge – Discussion Paper 2013 47

Community Participation

Principles

Decision-making and planning processes should be transparent and accountable to the community.

Communities should be involved in the decisions that affect them.

Early cooperation and information exchange between key stakeholders will facilitate negotiation and ensure best outcomes.

Community participation should be actively pursued through a specifically designed program where new developments abut areas of ecological value.

Community participation creates a strong sense of ownership, which is essential for effecting behavioural change.

Communities should be educated, consulted and encouraged to participate in dealing with each of the issues presented in this document.

Involving the community in the enhancement and protection of ecological values benefits the community, the environment, developers and government.

Significance If the community is not enabled to effectively participate in urban planning and in protecting and enhancing ecological values, opportunities are lost and conflict may arise such as that described in Our Experience – Outer Asset Protection Zones in Coombs – Molonglo (p 26). This problem is exacerbated when participation opportunities are not provided at the appropriate level. While the vast majority of the community may only require information provision, key stakeholders in the community need to be involved at the decision-making stage.

Through participation, communities gain ownership and have commitment and investment in creating and maintaining positive outcomes. This means that communities are less likely to obstruct actions and more likely to implement required behavioural changes or provide local knowledge and resources. This greatly facilitates and enhances the efficiency and implementation of planning, development and conservation measures.

Conversely, collective experience as well as research by Byron and Curtis (2002) has found that if communities are expected to participate with little support, volunteers and consequently groups can suffer from participation fatigue (burnout) which results in emotional exhaustion, systemic inefficiencies and ad hoc and ineffective management. This indicates that there is a need not only to build strong involved communities but also to support them in their actions without overloading them.

Managing the Urban Edge – Discussion Paper 2013 48 Existing situation In the ACT, residents, community groups and rural lessees all form part of the “community” which has an interest in and affects the issues that arise at the urban edge. The issue of rural lessees is dealt with more specifically in the previous section: “Rural Leases”.

It is the residents who play the core role in ongoing urban edge effects such as those related to domestic animals, invasive plant species, waste dumping, suburban fuels and recreational use. While considerable effort has been put into community engagement in dealing with similar issues in the past, e.g. The Urban Habitat Guidelines for the ACT there is still a need for a strategic, targeted and ongoing approach particularly for new developments. It has become increasingly common practice for developers in the ACT to provide community groups with funding to design and implement community engagement programs, such as that described in Our Experience – Coming Home to the Bush in Gungahlin (p 50). These programs have been creative and initially successful, however their effect diminishes once the grant has ended and new residents move in. Furthermore, many programs and their resources have been created anew for each development, which, while it makes for a fresh, targeted approach, tends to be inefficient. Finally, the funding of a community engagement program is not a requirement of development and as a consequence has not occurred in all new suburbs that abut areas of ecological value.

Aside from community engagement Our Experience

Living on the Edge in North Watson

Community participation regarding “The Fair” development at North Watson was initiated in response to community concerns regarding impacts of the development on the Mt Majura Nature Reserve. A negotiated outcome was achieved where participation could occur at several levels. The Friends of Mt Majura, Conservation Council ACT Region, North Canberra Community Council, Watson Community Association and Watson Woodlands Working Group meet with The Village Building Company and ACT Parks and Conservation Service in the form of a BoB Reference group. The group discusses development planning and implementation and oversees the spending of the agreed funding for the protection and enhancement of ecological values in the Mt Majura Nature Park.

The first part of this funding was allocated to supporting local environment group - Friends of Mt Majura in developing infrastructure and improving ecological values in the park including a new nature trail, weed management and plantings. A second portion of the agreed funding was allocated to the Conservation Council for the purpose of designing and implementing a community engagement program. This program includes tree-planting, sustainability fairs, family days, welcome kits and guidebooks to improve community awareness and ownership over the ecological values of the reserve. In order to mitigate limitations related to longevity, the program also aims to establish strong linkages between residents, local community groups and the body corporate.

programs, one way to allow residents to participate in mitigating urban edge effects is to encourage them to join local environment groups, such as LandCare, ParkCare or Friends of groups. As detailed in the recent publication A Labour of Love, environment groups have a long and proud history of contributing significantly to the environment and the community. However, as detailed in a combined submission to the Canberra Nature Park Management Plan1, groups and volunteers feel as though they are under a lot of pressure to protect areas of ecological value, with very little support. In order to function effectively groups need human and financial resources as well as access to an open exchange of information. Deficiencies in these areas have resulted in a lack of strategic approach to environmental management within the ACT.

1 Crawford et al (2010)

Managing the Urban Edge – Discussion Paper 2013 49 Aside from on the ground action, community groups and other Our Experience stakeholders participate in planning and policy-making. Presently, the community is provided with Coming home to the bush opportunities to comment on new in Gungahlin urban development proposals. Unfortunately, these opportunities are often associated with short time One of the first developments to fund a community engagement frames, little information and late program in the ACT was Forde. Through the BoB Gungahlin, The stages in the development cycle often Conservation Council was able to work with developers, after decisions have already been rangers, local ParkCarers and community groups to engage the made. residents in conservation. Workshops on sustainable and bird attracting gardens were run, ranger led walks were held and Experience has shown that many information leaflets on the reserves, local frogs and other residents are not interested in engaging wildlife were developed. A specific website and newsletter was in higher levels of community also developed especially for residents. participation. This can result in Unfortunately, funding for the program was limited. This meant difficulties recruiting new volunteers that while engagement on topics such as cat containment for or attendance at events. As a example were initially very successful, anecdotal evidence consequence, it is also important that suggests that with a new influx of residents and no continuing communities are provided with the engagement these initial messages have not been carried capacity and incentive to participate in forward. urban edge management, but that the success of urban edge management does not rely heavily on high levels of participation. It is important to identify the demographic of the area and the available resources and to provide community engagement opportunities which are suitable to these parameters.

Strategic Solutions

Living next to Nature

‘Living next to Nature’ is the version of this document for urban residents. It is designed to be distributed to existing suburbs on the urban edge and within localised welcome packs for new developments.

Welcome packs distributed to new residents living next to an area of ecological value can be a powerful way of engaging the community in addressing urban edge issues. These packs can include contextualized information to foster community interest and awareness. They can also address each of the issues discussed within this document with particular focus on Connectivity, Invasive plant species, Access and recreation, Domestic animal management and Community participation. Packs can use existing materials that are general to the ACT or have already been created by local community groups, or create new materials to fill gaps.

Managing the Urban Edge – Discussion Paper 2013 50

Recommendations

1. Invite BoB Reference groups and key community groups such as the Conservation Council ACT Region and Catchment groups to participate in estate development planning at the earliest stage applicable. 1.1. Detailed information should be made available at the earliest opportunity so that they can effectively contribute to policy and planning, particularly where new developments are concerned; and 1.2. Materials that inform development planning should be regularly updated and made available to stakeholders online. These should include ecological and geological maps and reports on development options and constraints.

2. Encourage residents to participate by joining community groups. 2.1. Where new suburbs abut areas of ecological value, Territory and Municipal Services should support the establishment of ParkCare, BushCare, Friends or LandCare groups to assist in caring for them. Assistance should be sought from catchment groups and nearby existing ParkCare Groups recruitment and establishment periods.; and 2.2. Developers should be required to provide additional funding to environment groups to support start up costs and/or the extra pressures resulting from urban edge effects. An appropriate form of support could be in the form of contributing to the establishment of a bushland management team.

3. Developers should be required to fund targeted and accessible community participation programs such as that described in Our Experience – Living on the Edge at North Watson (p 25). These programs should: 3.1. Range in scope from information provision and involvement in on-ground implementation through to consultation and influence over decision-making, as relevant to the situation and goals; 3.2. Consider consistency and longevity; 3.3. Provide a range of options to become informed and involved so that they reach the broadest range of people; 3.4. Be adaptive to the local context, with particular focus on social and environmental dynamics; and 3.5. Include the design and distribution of welcome packs to residents (Strategic Solutions – Living next to Nature) .

Managing the Urban Edge – Discussion Paper 2013 51 References and Further Reading Byron, I & Curtis, A 2002, ‘Maintaining Volunteer Commitment to Local Watershed Initiatives’, Environmental Management vol 30, no. 1, pp. 59-67.

Crawford, I, Muyt, A, Briggs, J & Robertson, G 2010 Submission to the ACT Commissioner for Sustainability and the Environment into land included in Canberra Nature Park, Molonglo River Corridor and Googong Foreshore, Submission to the ACT Commissioner for Sustainability and the Environment, Canberra. International Association of Public Participation 2013, Foundations of Public Participation, retrieved 17 April 2013, www.iap.org.au.

Mitchell, B 2008, Urban Habitat Guidelines for the ACT, ANUgreen, Canberra.

Welch, S, Rainbird, W, Widdowson, J & Eyles, K 2013, Labour of Love: Celebrating Landcare in the ACT Southern ACT Catchment Group, Canberra.

Managing the Urban Edge – Discussion Paper 2013 52

Managing the Urban Edge – Discussion Paper 2013 53 Timeline of Recommendations

1. Develop an outdoor recreation strategy to guide the provision of recreation opportunities across the entire ACT in a manner that reduces the environmental impact on areas of ecological value. Policy Change 2. Require the following to be located away of areas of high ecological value where there is a risk that they may impact on those values: 2.1. Asset Protection Zones; 2.2. roads and infrastructure; and 2.3. housing developments.

3. Develop measures that identify appropriate buffer zones for the urban edge, based upon the best available scientific research.

4. Evaluate the ecological values of the ACT on a territory wide basis by:

4.1. further developing the ACTMapi system; by

4.2. incorporating the accumulated knowledge of local academic research and community groups and commissioning research to fill any gaps; with a view to

4.3. undertaking a broadscale Strategic Assessment of future development.

5. Review the declared Pest Plants under the Pest Plants and Animals Act 2005: 5.1. in consultation with ParkCarers to determine which species are invading; with a view to 5.2. develop a further category which identifies plants as potentially invasive and bans their sale, propagation or purchase as a precautionary principle but does not require action on existing plants. The destruction, notification or containment of all existing plants may be impractical and be met with public resistance.

6. Create an ACT wide list of plants to be avoided near areas of ecological value and of local species which should be used to replace them and incorporate this into: 6.1. future landscape planning located nearby to areas of ecological value; 6.2. the upcoming review of ‘The Urban Design Guidelines for Urban Infrastructure - 23 Plant Species for Urban Landscape Projects”; and 6.3. community engagement projects, with a particular focus on point of sale such as ‘The Free Plants Scheme’ issued through Yarralumla Nursery.

7. Introduce a system of Conservation Leases based on the NSW system of Conservation Agreements, to enable voluntary protection for areas of ecological value that occur on rural leaseholds.

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8. Undertake an early and thorough assessment of the potentially impacted ecological values in the affected and surrounding landscape, including rural leaseholds, which considers at minimum: Scoping Stage Scoping 8.1. the role of mature trees and patches of remnant native vegetation; 8.2. the presence and demands of (nationally and locally) threatened species and communities; 8.3. aquatic and riparian areas and water flows; 8.4. fire regime requirements; and 8.5. an analysis of connectivity using the mapping available via ACTMAPi and a consideration of the requirements of key species.

9. Identify appropriate locations away from potentially impacted areas of

ecological value identified in 8.

10. Register any mature trees which have significant ecological value according to the Tree Protection Act 2005 and the results of 8, and: 10.1. design Tree Management Plans that consider current and future needs of these trees and avoid potential impacts on lives and property.

11. Where possible, apply Conservator’s Direction to adjacent rural lands where this action is likely to assist in the protection of high ecological values.

12. Undertake community engagement to: 12.1. determine potential requirements and desires of new residents; 12.2. identify and inform key stakeholders of proposal, including adjacent rural leases; and 12.3. address potential objections or considerations.

13. Consider profitability based on: 13.1. the need to address considerations related to the steps above as well as; 13.2. the location of Asset Protection Zones outside of areas of ecological value; and 13.3. the cost of management and restoration of ecological values during construction and ongoing maintenance.

14. Submit a Referral to the Commonwealth if: 14.1. any nationally significant threatened species and communities that have been identified at Stage 8.

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15. Incorporate: 15.1. any requirements from the Commonwealth resulting from Stage 14.

Concept Plan 16. Retain key features of ecological values identified in 8 such as: 16.1. mature trees, clumps of trees, “stepping stones” trees and their associated vegetation; 16.2. hollow-bearing trees and trees which are used by endangered species for nesting, feeding or movement corridors; 16.3. vegetation including trees in a range of age classes; 16.4. existing connectivity; and 16.5. ponds and riffle sections in watercourses.

17. Identify: 17.1. areas which are managed primary for conservation; 17.2. areas which are to be managed primarily for recreation; and 17.3. recreational needs and opportunities to meet these in a manner which reduced impacts on ecological values, e.g. the use of dog parks to meet the recreational need to allow dogs off-leash.

18. Limit opportunities for public access to areas of particular concern or sensitivity.

19. Where possible, locate the following outside of areas of high ecological value where they have the potential to impact on those values: 19.1. roads and infrastructure; 19.2. public access routes; 19.3. housing; and 19.4. Asset Protection Zones.

20. Undertake community engagement to: 20.1. determine specific requirements and desires of potential new residents e.g. with regards to access and recreation; 20.2. provide key stakeholders with adequate information and opportunities for input; and 20.3. address potential objections or considerations.

21. Refer the Development Application to the Conservator of Flora and Fauna if: 21.1. any trees have been identified and registered at Stage 8 and 10.

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22. Mindfully design landscaping by: Planning and Design 20.1 allowing for regeneration or planting of new trees in appropriate locations for their health, longevity and ecological values;

20.2 using the Tree Management Plans designed at Stage 10.1 to incorporate requirements for ongoing tree health, longevity, and ecological values; and 20.3 creating/ adapting and use a localised list of plants to be avoided near areas of ecological value and of local species which should be used to replace them.

23. Incorporate opportunities for low impact recreation and access in desirable areas.

24. Complement Asset Protection Zones with other fire management provisions.

25. Limit opportunities for public access to areas of particular concern or

sensitivity.

26. Trial innovative engineering and design solutions to address issues related to: 26.1. aquatic and riparian areas; 26.2. fire management; 26.3. invasive plants; 26.4. access; 26.5. mature trees; and 26.6. connectivity.

Managing the Urban Edge – Discussion Paper 2013 57 27. Undertake baseline studies before beginning any construction or Construction management measures.

28. Implement prevention measures before undertaking works including 28.1. using fences and erosion guards to prevent the leakage of waste and pollution (including via air and water) to adjacent areas; and 28.2. protect mature trees and their associated vegetation according to the Tree Management Plans designed at Stage 10.1.

29. Audit and enforce existing requirements such as those under:

29.1. the Waste Minimisation Act 2001; 29.2. the Building Act 2003; 29.3. the Planning and Development Act 2007; and 29.4. the Environmental Protection Act.

30. Comprehensively restore temporarily impacted areas by: 30.1. revegetating cleared areas; 30.2. controlling invasive species; and

Initial Use Initial 30.3. ongoing erosion control and on-site filtration of runoff.

31. Undertake community engagement at the earliest possible stage to: 31.1. Improve understanding of: 31.1.1. local ecological values; and 31.1.2. reasons behind restrictions and management measures. 31.2. Work with existing umbrella groups such as Catchment Groups and Community Councils to provide participation opportunities through: 31.2.1. the development of LandCare/ ParkCare groups; and 31.2.2. the development of community associations. 31.3. Create mindful gardens which: 31.3.1. avoid invasive plant species; 31.3.2. improve connectivity; 31.3.3. reduce fire risk from suburban fuels; 31.3.4. contain domestic animals; 31.3.5. are waterwise; and 31.3.6. retain mature trees.

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Ongoing/ Existing Use 32. Maintain and improve ecological values through: 32.1. appropriate fire management based on best available science and innovation regarding not only the fire response of the ecological value at hand, but also the likelihood of other impacts such as erosion or compaction; 32.2. control of public access to sensitive areas; 32.3. using routine upgrading to implement innovative engineering solutions address issues related to aquatic and riparian areas, fire management, invasive plants, access, mature trees and connectivity; and 32.4. reducing invasive plant infestations, particularly along riparian areas.

33. Adaptively manage by: 33.1. monitoring impacts on ecological values and the outcomes of management plans and innovative engineering solutions; 33.2. exploring opportunities for the relocation of infrastructure to areas with

lower impact; and 33.3. engaging the public to provide comment and input. 34. Engage the community to: 34.1. Improve understanding of: 34.1.1. local ecological values; and 34.1.2. reasons behind restrictions and management measures. 34.2. Provide participation opportunities through: 34.2.1. the development of LandCare/ ParkCare groups; and 34.2.2. the development of community associations. 34.3. Create mindful gardens which: 34.3.1. avoid invasive plant species; 34.3.2. improve connectivity; 34.3.3. reduce fire risk from suburban fuels; 34.3.4. contain domestic animals; 34.3.5. are waterwise; and 34.3.6. retain mature trees.

35. Explore the potential to apply a Conservator’s Direction on any adjacent lands with ecological values.

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