The Federal Government is investing more than $3.2 million to protect and improve the health of ACT waterways, including the Jerrabomberra Wetlands, the ACT’s Labor MPs announced today.

This investment comes during Landcare Week, and will expand and improve critical habitat for local populations of eight frog species, platypus, water dragons, and the eastern long-necked turtle in the ACT region.

“Waterways are a huge part of life in the bush capital, and healthy waterways are the lifeblood of our environment,” Alicia Payne, MP for Canberra, said.

“This funding will make a real difference in cleaning up the ACT’s waterway and catchments and protecting habitat for our unique native species.”

“The $3.2 million investment will improve water quality and provide our community with better access to nature and open green space,” David Smith, MP for Bean, said. “It will also strengthen the resilience of the local area in dealing with the impacts of climate change.”

A $2.7 million project delivered by Landcare ACT will remove harmful pollutants and sediment, helping to restore the Ginninderra, Molonglo, and Southern ACT catchments, supporting healthier waterways and safer habitat for native species.

A $450,000 project delivered by Woodlands and Wetlands Trust will remove weeds, plant trees, and stabilise banks in the Jerrabomberra Wetlands. This project will also provide the community with better access to nature in the wetlands.

“Landcare ACT and the Woodlands and Wetlands Trust play a key role in environmental stewardship in the ACT,” Ms Payne said.

“As we celebrate Landcare Week, we also recognise the critical role of volunteers. The collective work of community volunteers with the Ginninderra, Molonglo, and Southern ACT Catchment Groups has a huge impact on the health of our waterways, their surrounding environments and the rich biodiversity they support.”

The ACT investment is part of the Government’s $200 million investment in projects that help community groups, NGOs, councils and First Nations groups clean up and restore their local rivers and waterways, Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for the Environment and Water, said. This includes activities like planting native species along creeks and building small-scale wetlands to improve water quality.

“Canberrans love nature, and it’s great to be part of a Government that’s investing in cleaning up our waterways,” Dr Andrew Leigh, MP for Fenner, said. “Improving water quality and access to natural spaces is good for native frogs and fishes and for the whole community.”