The ACT Government has announced it will invest an additional $10 million in the 2022-23 Budget to bolster environment and nature conservation in the bush capital.

“Canberrans have always had a strong connection with nature, and the announcement of this round of funding for the next four years renews our commitment to a green, sustainable, and inclusive Canberra,” said Rebecca Vassarotti, ACT Minister for the Environment.

“Canberra is one of the world’s most liveable cities, and we are fortunate to have so much unique and diverse nature right in our backyard,” said Chief Minister Andrew Barr. “We are delivering on major projects that will maintain our strong connection with nature, while protecting our environment and resilience to climate events such as bushfires and floods.

“We are introducing and expanding on initiatives today that will encourage local businesses, green spaces, and eco-tourism with opportunities for more recreation, social activities, and exercise to improve mental and physical wellbeing. These projects will grow and protect jobs and strengthen our position as a leading nature-based tourist destination.”

More resources will be available to improve the integration of Ngunnawal knowledge into land planning and management, with a focus on restoring urban open spaces and enhancing capacity to adapt to climate change.

“We have a unique opportunity to better protect our precious landscape through more deliberatively embedding our environmental expertise as our city evolves, drawing on First Nations knowledge in land management and enhancing our connection to nature,” Ms Vassarotti said.

To make Canberra a greener and more resilient city, the ACT Government will commit $2.95 million in funding over the next two years to establish more trees and plants in urban areas, and maximise citizens’ connection with nature and each other.

“It’s never been more evident that our connection to each other is important to preserve our health and wellbeing,” Ms Vassarotti said. “Embedding nature in our city will provide more opportunities to restore social connections, enhance native wildlife habitat, and give all Canberrans a sense of belonging.”

The government will restore and enhance 20 sites across the city vital for natural habitat connectivity and climate cooling.

“Green space and biodiversity havens [will be] accessible to residents throughout the city,” Ms Vassarotti said.

The government will produce habitat and connectivity maps, and incorporate them into key decision-making tools such as the planning District Strategies. And it will enhance the Canberra Nature Map platform to strengthen and support citizen science contributions to identifying important species and habitat. 

The Government will protect and enhance native habitats and species as they adapt to climate change. To do so, they will bolster their biosecurity capacity to respond to new incursions of invasive plants, animals, and diseases, by expanding the Invasive Species Rapid Response Ranger Team.

• Rapid response team tackles invasive species (23 February)

The Government is also increasing resources for bushfire preparedness, including expanding fire management activities and preparing an updated Bushfire Management Plan.

“This year’s investments will … support our continuing efforts to keep Canberra safe,” said Mick Gentleman, ACT Minister for Planning and Land Management.

In response to the unprecedented wet weather last financial year, the Government will invest more funding in track and trail maintenance at Canberra Nature Parks.

“Our parks and reserves are an important part of our bush capital, and are treasured by Canberrans,” Mr Gentleman said. “This year’s budget will ensure we make these areas even better while supporting our natural environment.

Design work for a new visitors’ centre and other enhancements at Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve is set to get underway, too.

“This will refresh the park, but also help with the important conservation work that happens there,” Mr Gentleman said. “We’ve listened to the community’s feedback, collected through our Parks and Conservation visitor surveys, and will continue our focus on building better tracks and trails, upgrading facilities, and increasing opportunities for Canberrans to learn from and connect with our natural environment.”