No. 65

BOOST FOR ENDANGERED SPECIES PROTECTION 

The 2006-07 Budget will provide a significant boost for the recovery programs for two of the ACT’s iconic endangered species, the Northern Corroboree Frog and the Brush-tailed Rock‑wallaby.

“In 2006-07 funding of $100,000 has been allocated for construction at the Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve of two artificial outdoor breeding pools for Northern Corroboree Frogs, a public display of live Corroboree Frogs and the upgrade of Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby enclosures.  An additional $137,000 will be spent over the next four years to support these programs,” Minister for the Territory and Municipal Services John Hargreaves said.

“The Stanhope Government is determined that the breeding programs for these endangered species will succeed and this funding is a clear demonstration of this commitment. 

“The Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby and Corroboree Frog programs are fine examples of how a co‑operative approach, people with passion and a supportive government can achieve great things.  

“The Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby breeding program has recently achieved its first major success since the 2003 fires — producing a young animal through its cross-fostering program. 

“The Corroboree Frog recovery program continues to raise significant numbers of frogs from eggs collected in the wild and will now move to the equally important task of attempting to breed from these captive animals.”

Mr Hargreaves said this funding would also assist in regenerating the Corroboree Frog habitat in the Brindabella sphagnum bogs.  

“The aim of the Corroboree Frog recovery program is to ensure viable populations are maintained in their natural habitat.  To achieve this, their habitat needs to be restored,” he said.

The Brush-tailed Rock-wallabies and the Corroboree Frogs will be on display at the Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve.