No. 64

GREATER PROTECTION FOR WILDLIFE IN WOODLANDS

The Stanhope Government today announced that it will provide greater protection for the Territory’s Grassy Woodland’s Endangered Ecological Communities, by establishing a predator‑free enclosure in Mulligans Flat Nature Reserve.

“The 2006-07 ACT Budget includes $350,000 to enclose a section of Mulligans Flat with predator-proof fencing, preventing cats, dogs, foxes and other feral animals from entering the area.  This will allow Grassy Woodland species, many that are either endangered or currently extinct in the ACT, to exist in a setting without introduced predators,” Minister for the Territory and Municipal Services John Hargreaves said.

“The predator-free sanctuary at Mulligans Flat will complement the work being done through the Linkage Grant research program by Professor David Lindenmayer from the Australian National University and Environment ACT in the adjoining Goorooyaroo Nature Reserve.  

“This area provides a wonderful opportunity for Canberra’s community to explore our Grassy Woodlands.  The community will be able to access the enclosure through gates similar to those at Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve.”

Mr Hargreaves said that over time it is expected that animal populations within the enclosure will increase and some of our threatened species such as Hooded Robin and Brown Treecreeper may be seen more regularly. 

“Nature walker will also have the opportunity to view species such as red-necked and swamp wallabies, sugar gliders, black shingle-backed lizards, and occasionally, endangered regent honeyeaters,” Mr Hargreaves said.