No. 10

$2.6 MILLION FOR TIDBINBILLA NATURE DISCOVERY CENTRE

The ACT Government will invest $2.562 million over four years in the new Tidbinbilla Nature Discovery Centre.

Minister for the Environment, Water and Climate Change Jon Stanhope said the 30-hectare Centre will provide unique outdoor visitor and environmental education experiences for Canberrans and visitors to our region. 

“Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve is a part of life for many Canberrans, especially those with children, as a place they can get near our unique flora and fauna in a convenient location,” Mr Stanhope said. “It is also an important environmental and tourism asset for the Territory.

“The Tidbinbilla Nature Discovery Centre, currently under construction and due to open in early 2008, will be a significant visitor and environmental education facility. This funding will assist in the delivery of visitor and educational programs, wildlife collection management and more intensive land management at the site. The additional funding will also help to provide a stronger educational emphasis on Indigenous history and cultural associations with the region. 

“The funding will support the development of a significant volunteer program to provide visitor interpretation and education in areas of natural science, animal husbandry, and cultural history.”

Mr Stanhope said the Tidbinbilla Nature Discovery Centre has an important link with the nearby Birrigai Outdoor School and this funding will support the continued development of the strong partnership with the school through the further integration of activities.

“The Birrigai Outdoor School and the Tidbinbilla Nature Discovery Centre provide Canberrans with excellent opportunities to learn about our surroundings, our history and our environment,” he said. 

“As we have become more aware of the importance of living and developing in harmony with our environment, we have also become more aware of the importance of providing younger Canberrans in particular with better opportunities to learn about our environment and how to protect it.

“The hard decisions taken in last year’s Budget are helping to keep the ACT’s books in the black and providing the funds required to invest in the Tidbinbilla Nature Discovery Centre and in keeping our environment protected,” Mr Stanhope said.