The ACT Government has today welcomed the Federal Government’s announcement to contribute almost $625,000 to help protect threatened species in the ACT.
Minister for the Environment Simon Corbell welcomed the funding, which would be used for further preservation of the Mulligans Flat Woodland Sanctuary, as well as specialised habitats for the endangered Northern Corroboree Frog.
“This contribution will support a number of ACT Government initiatives to halt the decline of threatened habitats and species,” Mr Corbell said.
“The ACT is a nationally significant region for biodiversity with some of the largest and most diverse remnants of yellow box, red gum grassy woodland and natural temperate grassland in Australia. These ecosystems provide habitat for many rare and threatened species so it is extremely important we protect them.
“This contribution from the Australian Government will go a long way toward protecting the environment in the ACT. Our success depends on strong partnerships, not just between governments, but institutions such as the Woodland and Wetlands Trust who have been very active in fundraising for endangered box gum woodlands in the ACT.”
Minister for Territory and Municipal Services Shane Rattenbury said that the contributions from the Australian Government would support three important environmental projects in the ACT.
“The Australian Government will contribute $600,000 to improve and expand the Mulligans Flat Woodland Sanctuary that provides a predator-free environment for threatened species including the eastern bettong and the New Holland mouse. Expanding the sanctuary is vital in protecting these species,” Mr Rattenbury said.
“This will add to the $900,000 contribution from the ACT Government from the 2015/16 budget and is another welcome boost to the Bettong Bungalow campaign launched last month to raise funds for the expansion of the Mulligans Flat Sanctuary.
“A small proportion of the funds will also be used to support the restoration of ACT natural temperate grassland sites. The ACT Government is already conducting an extensive program of work to support threatened grassland species, including the grassland earless dragon, the striped legless lizard, the golden sun moth and a number of threatened plant species.”
A $20,000 contribution will also be provided to help fund northern corroboree frog enclosures. The five specialised amphibian enclosures will protect critically endangered northern corroboree frogs at Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve to help re-establish wild breeding populations.
To donate to the Bettong Bungalow campaign, visit bettongbungalow.org
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