Project status: Complete

Background

The Molonglo River Reserve - Reserve Management Plan is now complete.

The plan sets out how the reserve will be managed and restored over time to protect flora and fauna, provide recreational opportunities and minimise the risk of bushfire. It sets out a clear and agreed set of long term objectives for the reserve and outlines the policy approaches for achieving the objectives.

The plan also gives clear guidance on how the land and waters of the reserve will be managed and used. Extensive consultation with a wide range of groups and individuals was undertaken during various stages of development of the Reserve Management Plan.

Extensive consultation with a wide range of groups and individuals was undertaken during various stages of development of the Reserve Management Plan. This included a public consultation period during February and March 2018. The consultation report is available.

Set among the growing suburbs of Coombs and Wright, the existing site of the proposed reserve comprises 1280 hectares and extends 23 kilometres along the Molonglo River from Scrivener Dam to the Murrumbidgee River Corridor Reserve. This area contains some of Canberra’s best river landscapes and is home to a wide range of native plants and animals, including the endangered Pink-tailed Worm-lizard, Superb Parrot and Box-gum Grassy Woodland habitat.

Consultation

The draft plan was released for public comment from 8 February 2018 to 23 March 2018. A Listening Report summarising feedback and the final consultation report are now available.

Thank you to all who submitted feedback on the draft plan. This feedback informed the development of the final draft of the Molonglo River Reserve Management Plan.

About the plan

New Reserve Management Plan summary

The new Molonglo River Reserve - Reserve Management Plan will:

  • Protect the significant features of the reserve such as the river itself, diverse habitats, wildlife corridors, heritage sites and recreation areas.

  • Define the boundaries of the reserve, including space for recreation activities, fire management zones and wildlife corridors.

  • Protect a diverse range of native animals and more than 200 species of native plants.

  • Conserve the site’s unique landscapes and scenery from land degradation and erosion.

  • Manage for bushfire by reducing the risk of wildfire for people, homes and ecological communities.

  • Care for cultural heritage by protecting and interpreting Aboriginal heritage and evidence of early European settlement.

  • Provide a range of appropriate recreation opportunities, from low-impact activities to more high-impact activities, with some activities also being prohibited.

  • Encourage community involvement and knowledge in the care of the reserve.