Woodland Forum

["Hastir, Chris" <>]

For anyone interested.

Regards

Chris Hastir

 

A free public Forum to discuss how to protect native woodlands and grasslands for the long-term

Wednesday 15 March 2006

2pm to 5.30pm

Optus Theatre, CSIRO Discovery

Clunies Ross Street, Black Mountain, ACT

Hosted by the Conservation Council of the SE Region and Canberra

Facilitator: Mr Stuart McMahon, Manager Community Programs, NSW Parks and Wildlife Service (South Division)

Speakers include:

Dr Phil Gibbons, Senior Project Officer, CSIRO Sustainable Ecosystems -

(chief architect of NSW ‘no net loss’ system)

Dr Rosemary Purdie, ACT Commissioner for the Environment

Ms Sarah Sharp, Senior Plant Ecologist, Environment ACT

Speaker (tba) Victorian Department of Sustainability and Environment

Against a background of increasing land degradation and declining biodiversity, most States are implementing legislation to control further clearing of native vegetation. For example, in NSW and Victoria, systems are based on the "no net loss" principle. In 2004, the ACTs Legislative Assembly rejected a private member’s sponsored Bill for native vegetation protection modelled on the Victorian system - there was support in-principle for the Bill's aspirations, but the practical implications of this kind of system in the ACT were identified as needing more consideration. The ALP has an election commitment to review the Nature Conservation Act and consider the practicalities of implementing a "no net loss" system. A community debate is now timely.

While the ACT still has some large areas of high quality lowland vegetation, over 75% of native vegetation in the Canberra area and Murrumbidgee Valley has been cleared, and continues to be cleared for urban and infrastructure development. The main focus has been on conserving threatened species and communities and 'significant' large trees. There is a need to consider native habitat and biodiversity conservation more broadly, to turn around a continual loss of native vegetation to a net gain and restoration - in both non-urban and urban contexts.

This Forum aims to have a broad ranging discussion on how we can best conserve lowland vegetation in the ACT for future generations. Speakers will discuss approaches to native vegetation protection in different jurisdictions, what lessons can be learned, what systems could be appropriate for the ACT. There will be an opportunity for a wide range of interests, including from Governments, community groups, land managers, researchers and interested individuals to put their views.

No booking required. Please register from 1.30pm, for prompt 2pm start.

Afternoon Tea will be provided. Parking available at venue.

Enquiries: Conservation Council of the SE Region and Canberra

Ph 02 6247 7808

Email: <>

Website: www.ecoaction.net.au http://www.ecoaction.net.au

m("act.gov.au","chris.hastir");">

 

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