ACT Nature Conservation Strategy 2013–23 Implementation Plan 1 (2013–2018)

1. Environment and Planning Directorate (EPD) 17 2 Territory and Municipal Services Directorate (TAMSD) 17

3. Justice and Community Safety Directorate (JACS) 18 planning.act.gov.au 1 Introduction The Minister for the Environment and Sustainable Development, Mr Simon Corbell MLA, released the ACT Nature Conservation Strategy 2013–2023 (the NCS) and it commenced on 14 November 2013. The NCS outlines a vision for nature conservation in the ACT over the next decade, to achieve ‘biodiversity rich, resilient landscapes stretching from the inner city to the mountains, where well functioning ecosystems can meet the needs of people and the environment’. The NCS is guided by the vision and five ‘Strategic Approaches’ including:

1. Enhance habitat connectivity and ecosystem function

2. Manage threats to biodiversity

3. Protect species and ecological communities

4. Enhance biodiversity value of urban areas

5. Strengthen community engagement The NCS proposes 32 actions to achieve the strategy’s seven targets. The overall strategic framework for the NCS is summarised at Appendix 1. How will the NCS be implemented? The NCS will be guided by two implementation plans, divided into five year periods:

1. Implementation Plan 1 (2013–2018)

2. Implementation Plan 2 (2019–2023) This first implementation plan has been developed by the ACT Government and provides a road map of the most significant milestones required to deliver the NCS actions and targets during the period 2013–2018. Implementation of actions will be dependent upon the availability of funding. Relevant ACT Government Directorates will focus efforts to secure resources for actions that demonstrate cost effectiveness in terms of responding to critical conservation priorities, and achieving the greatest positive conservation impacts. Activities which are currently unfunded remain future options for further consideration by Government and other interested partners. If funding is not available, this may require activities to be re-scoped, and undertaken within existing resources where possible. The plan also outlines the roles of ACT Government agencies in meeting the objectives of the NCS, allocates responsibilities to lead ACT agencies for achievement of individual actions, and sets timeframes to enable progress of the actions to be monitored and assessed. More detailed information about ACT agencies is included in Appendix 2. Acronyms for lead agencies used in the main table of the implementation plan include:

1. ACT Environment and Planning Directorate (EPD) »» NCP - Nature Conservation Policy »» SCC - Sustainability and Climate Change »» SP- Strategic Planning 2 Implementation Plan 1 (2013-2018) »» CAW- Catchments and Water

2. Territory and Municipal Services Directorate (TAMSD) »» CS - City Services »» PaCS - Parks and Conservation Service (PaCS)

3. Justice and Community Safety Directorate (JACS) »» ESA - Emergency Services Agency The second implementation plan will be developed by the end of 2018 following a review of the first plan by the ACT Conservator of Flora and Fauna, and in consideration of the 2015 State of the Environment (SoE) Report by the Commissioner for Sustainability and the Environment, stakeholder interest, and availability of funding. Public and expert input and review will also be taken into consideration for the development of the second implementation plan. How will Implementation Plan 1 be measured and reported? Milestones in the implementation plan will form the basis for assessing annual progress. Progress in implementing the Strategy will be reported in each Environment and Planning Directorate (EPD) Annual Report. The NCS is guided by a monitoring and review protocol, including seven targets and 14 indicators. Roles and responsibilities for collecting data for the 14 indicators have been assigned through the implementation plan. Data will be provided to the Commissioner for Sustainability and Environment to be reported through four yearly State of the Environment reporting. Additional reporting will occur through the EPD Annual Report, focusing on progress against achievement of Actions. planning.act.gov.au 3 Strategy 1 - Enhance habitat connectivity and ecosystem function Actions Strategy 1 – Milestones and Timeframes Lead Action 1.1 • Soil mapping (1:100,000) completed (2015)1. Vegetation NCP Develop baseline NCP • mapping completed for the Kowen plateau, Murrumbidgee Valley, and information Namadgi National Park (1:25,000) by 20151 on landscape function • Native vegetation condition indicators to be agreed nationally by NCP

2014. Monitoring systems in place (2016)1. These will build on existing monitoring programs and expand to new representative vegetation communities as funding becomes available • Migratory Species Action Plan finalised (2014)1 NCP • Habitat connectivity mapping for wildlife incorporated into connectivity NCP GIS layer on ACTMAPi (2014)1 • Hydrogeological Landscape Framework completed (2017)2 NCP • Additional funding will be sought to finalise vegetation mapping of urban NCP areas east of the Murrumbidgee. Action 1.2 • Fine scale planning for grassy woodland ecosystems completed (2013)1 NCP/PaCS Undertake fine • Further planning will be informed by recommendations from published NCP scale planning plans and reports (ongoing), and new environmental data sets as they for habitat become available1 connectivity • Implement key actions from the Murrumbidgee Demonstration Reach NCP/PaCS Implementation Plan, depending upon funding2 (see Action 2.5) Action 1.3 • Regional Corridor Links identified and agreed with regional partners by 20131 NCP Enhance regional NCP • Collaborate with partners to submit funding bids to the Commonwealth connectivity Biodiversity Fund for on ground restoration activities to support regional corridors (2013 – 2017)1 Action 1.4 • Develop a climate change risk impacts statement for the ACT’s NCP Assess biodiversity1 conservation • New soil data uploaded to ACTMAPi and Spatial Data Management System NCP investment (SDMS) by 20151, and Hydrogeological Landscape Framework by 20172 opportunities across public and • Develop a dynamic NRM planning framework to be used to plan for NCP privately managed climate change adaptation (2013-2017)2 lands in the ACT Action 1.5 • Deliver at least 2000 hectares of revegetation and restoration in lowland NCP/PaCS Fund priority grassy woodland ecosystems, and 15,000 hectares of invasive species landscape actions control in these ecosystems by June 20171 • Finalise current fish habitat works in the Molonglo and Murrumbidgee NCP/PaCS Rivers (2014)1 • Seek funding opportunities through the Commonwealth, and ACT NCP/PaCS Governments (2013-2018), and deliver activities on ground2 1 Funded through existing resources 2 Future options for further consideration (currently unfunded) 4 Implementation Plan 1 (2013-2018) Strategy 2 - Manage threats to biodiversity Actions Strategy 2 – Milestones and Timeframes Lead Action 2.1 • Pest Plant Management Plans for critical weed species developed (2017)1, NCP/PaCS Implement ACT pending a proposed review of ACT biosecurity legislation Weed Strategy NCP/PaCS • Weed alert system developed for the ACT (2014)1 (2009-2019) • Mapping of serious and widespread weeds completed (2018)2 NCP/PaCS • ACT and region web-based weeds portal on the Atlas of Living Australia NCP developed to support improved mapping and monitoring (2014)2 • Programs to reduce new weed problems will be developed and NCP/PaCS implemented (2014-2017)2 Action 2.2 • Develop effective identification, surveillance, response and reporting NCP/PaCS Implement ACT strategies for new pest animal species1 Pest Animal NCP/PaCS • Rabbit Pest Animal Management Plan finalised (2013)1 Management Strategy 2012- • The schedules to the Pest Plants and Animals Act 2005 updated (2015)1 NCP/PaCS 2022 • Priority pest animal management programs implemented, focusing on PaCS assisting wildlife corridor restoration (annual)1 • Guidelines developed for controlled native species management plans for NCP/PaCS damage reduction (2014)1 • Continued investment in the Invasive Animals Cooperative Research NCP/PaCS Centre to 20171 to access national research and best practice outcomes • Pest Animal Management Plans for additional priority species such as wild NCP/PaCS dogs, pigs, and deer (as agreed with TAMSD) (2014-2018)2 Action 2.3 • Reserve Operational Plans (RoPs) developed for 14 reserves (2014). PaCS Manage total Remaining RoPs developed (2018)1 grazing pressure PaCS • Rabbit Pest Animal Management Plan implemented (2014 ongoing)1 on ecosystem function in • Biomass Management Plans developed for grassland reserves (2014)1. PaCS reserves Implementation for all plans dependent upon further funding2 • Annual monitoring of kangaroo populations in selected reserves. Research NCP on kangaroo population monitoring funded until 20141. This is a high priority activity2 Action 2.4 • ACT Strategic Bushfire Management Plan revised by the end of 20141 ESA/NCP/ Establish and PaCS • Post fire recovery monitoring of vegetation to continue until 20141. implement NCP/PaCS Further monitoring dependent upon additional funding1 ecologically appropriate fire • Ecological fire management guidelines updated in 2014 and implemented NCP/PaCS regimes through the TAMS Bushfire Operational Plan1. Fuel and Fire Suppression Guidelines for ACT Declared Threatened Species and Endangered Ecological Communities updated by 2015 for high priority species2 • Subject to resourcing, long-term monitoring undertaken of prescribed burning of high conservation value nature reserves or on specific flora and NCP/PaCS fauna. This is a high priority activity2 planning.act.gov.au 5 Actions Strategy 2 – Milestones and Timeframes Lead Action 2.5 • Cod balls in place in Molonglo River and Yerrabi pond, and fish usage NCP Implement of the structures (2014) monitored on an ongoing basis. Tharwa Fish improved Habitat structures constructed, and fish usage and changes to the river catchment geomorphic profile monitored (2013)1 management to • Determine the efficacy of the Casuarina Sands fishway to allow fish to pass NCP support aquatic using passive integrated transponder (PIT) tagging technology (2014)1 ecosystems • Determine the best method to monitor Murray Crayfish and the condition of the crayfish population within the ACT at selected sites (2014)1 • Annually stock the larger lakes in Canberra with native fish species to reduce NCP angling pressure on the natural river populations and improve the ecological functioning of the artificial urban lakes. This is a high priority activity2 • Implement key actions in the Murrumbidgee Demonstration Reach NCP Implementation Plan (2013–2018)2 • Finalise Catchment Management Plan and first implementation for the CAW/NCP/ ACT and region (2014), and seek funding for implementation through PaCS Murray Darling Basin Reform Agreement2 1 Funded through existing resources 2 Future options for further consideration (currently unfunded) 6 Implementation Plan 1 (2013-2018) Strategy 3 - Protect species and ecological communities Actions Strategy 3 – Milestones and Timeframes Lead Action 3.1 • Reserve Operational Plans (RoPs) developed for 14 reserves (2014). PaCS Manage the Remaining RoPs developed (2018)1 protected area NCP/PaCS • Canberra Nature Park Plan of Management reviewed (2015). Production of estate a revised plan and implementation dependent upon funding. • Complete Molonglo River Corridor Plan of Management (2014)1 PaCS • Commence preparation of a Lower Cotter Catchment Plan of Management NCP (2013)1 • Progressive implementation of actions in Plans of Management and PaCS Threatened Species and Ecological Communities Action Plans (ongoing)1 • Trails Strategy finalised and implementation commenced (2014)1 PaCS • Restoration of degraded areas within Canberra Nature Park (2013-2018)1 NCP/PaCS Action 3.2 • Action Plans will continue to be developed to identify and manage threats NCP/PaCS Develop, to declared species and communities (ongoing)1 implement • Action Plans will be reviewed, and updated where necessary to ensure they NCP/PaCS and review remain current (ongoing)1 Action Plans for threatened species and communities Action 3.3 • Implement woodland restoration activities and invasive species control within NCP/PaCS Restore and priority lowland woodland areas across priority ‘focal’ landscapes (2017)1 manage priority • One Million Trees program finalised in Murrumbidgee River Corridor (2018)1 PaCS landscapes • Finalise monitoring and restoration of alpine bogs affected by the 2003 fires, NCP/PaCS and commencement of long term monitoring (2014)1 • Priority activities delivered from the Upper Murrumbidgee Demonstration PaCS Reach Implementation Plan (2013 – 2018)2 See also milestones under Actions 4.2 – 4.4 relating to the urban landscape Action 3.4 • Develop criteria and principles for identifying and managing refugia (2013)1 NCP Identify • Identify refugia in the ACT and region using NSW and ACT Region Climate NCP biodiversity Model (NARCLiM)data and other data sets (see also Activity 1.1) (2015)1 refugia under drought and • Manage at least one identified site for refugia values (2018)2 NCP/PaCS climate change 1 Funded through existing resources 2 Future options for further consideration (currently unfunded) planning.act.gov.au 7 Actions Strategy 3 – Milestones and Timeframes Lead Action 3.5 • Monitoring of five ecosystems- native temperate grasslands, grassy box-gum NCP Monitor woodlands, alpine bogs, montane forests, and Murrumbidgee-Cotter River five priority system (2013–2018)2. This is a high priority activity. Current resources will ecosystems be utilised and new funding sought for consistency between ecosystems most vulnerable and to extend into those ecosystems not currently funded2 to threats NCP • Monitoring of riverine ecosystems to date focuses on in stream biodiversity, primarily fish. Additional resourcing will be required to properly undertake riparian monitoring. This is a high priority activity2 Action 3.6 • Captive breeding program for the Corroboree Frog to be continued (ongoing)1 NCP/PaCS Implement NCP • Reintroduction of the Macquarie Perch in the enlarged Cotter reservoir (in captive breeding partnership with ACTEW) 1 programs and translocation • Translocation programs will continue to be undertaken in the Mulligans Flat NCP/PaCS programs sanctuary consistent with the aims of the ecological research project (ongoing)1 • The methodology for translocating golden sun moth will continue to be NCP developed and will lead to the production of translocation guidelines (2015) 1 • Programs for the Brush Tailed Rock Wallaby and Bettongs to be continued NCP/PaCS and expanded, including translocation of Bettongs outside Mulligans Flat Sanctuary (ongoing)2 Action 3.7 • Propagation and translocation programs for Tuggeranong Lignum, Button NCP/PaCS Propagate and Wrinklewort, Small Purple Pea and Ginninderra Peppercress developed and translocate underway if technically possible and resources available (2016)2 threatened NCP/PaCS • Subject to community interest, a community plant rescue program will be plants developed and implemented (2016)2 Action 3.8 • Development, management and use of seed banks and seed orchards NCP/PaCS Establish seed (ongoing)1 banks and seed NCP • Seed collection policy released (2014)1 orchards 1 Funded through existing resources 2 Future options for further consideration (currently unfunded) 8 Implementation Plan 1 (2013-2018) Strategy 4 - Enhance biodiversity value of urban areas Actions Strategy 4 — Milestones and Timeframes Lead Action 4.1 • Manage impacts of urban development on significant biodiversity assets NCP/SP Manage impacts through Environmental Impact Statement processes and Strategic of urban Environmental Assessments (ongoing)1 development on • Accreditation of ACT environmental assessment processes through a revised NCP/PaCS biodiversity Bilateral Assessment process (2014)1 • Development and finalisation of the approach to environmental offsets in NCP the ACT (2013-2018)1 Action 4.2 • Policies to improve biodiversity outcomes from landscaping developed CS/SP Manage urban (2015)1 open space • TAMS revised guidelines (‘Tree Selector’) used to plant appropriate species CS in urban parks and open space to enhance biodiversity and climate change adaptation (2013–2018)1 • Key areas mapped where environmental plantings can enhance connectivity CS/NCP and biodiversity outcomes in urban areas (2014)1 and deliver plantings through the urban component of the One Million Trees program. • Continue to stock lakes with native fish species annually (see also Action 2.5)1 NCP • Encourage native plantings and retention of mature / hollow bearing trees SCC/CS/SP across urban areas, or any other areas that require more native vegetation coverage, ensuring fire fuel management responsibilities (ongoing)1,2 Action 4.3 • One Million Trees urban component finalised (2018) and lessons learnt CS Enhance incorporated into connectivity planning (ongoing)1 connectivity • Implementation of education and incentive programs to encourage more CS/PaCS through urban native plantings in backyards close to reserves and urban fringe areas areas commenced (2014) (refer also to Action 5.3)2 Action 4.4 • ACT Trails Strategy completed (2014)1 PaCS Manage the • The ACT Government to continue, commitment to pet containment, waste CS/PaCS urban edge management, recreational use, fire management (ongoing), the spread of invasive plants into bushland and support for the current Bush on the Boundaries (BoB) program1,2 • Implement education program on the impacts of escaped domestic animals NCP/CS/ (pets such as fish, dogs, cats etc)2 PaCS planning.act.gov.au 9 Actions Strategy 4 — Milestones and Timeframes Lead Action 4.5 • Continue to support urban landcare and ParkCare groups (ongoing)1 CS/PaCS Support Urban • Work with existing urban landcare and ParkCare groups to identify key areas CS/PaCS Landcare of weed infestation and incorporate this knowledge into proposed weed and ParkCare mapping targets (2013–2018)1 activities • Showcase and promote the research undertaken and knowledge held by CS/PaCS Urban Landcare and ParkCare groups as examples of community driven, urban based nature conservation initiatives (2013–2018)1 • Provide training opportunities for urban landcare and ParkCare groups in CS/PaCS biodiversity research techniques and mapping (2013–2018)2 • Create and support new Urban Landcare and ParkCare groups that capture CS/PaCS urban open space and roadsides and other green areas (2013–2018). Action 4.6 • Assess urban areas to determine the need and suitability for additional tree CS/SP/SCC Assess urban coverage to mitigate potential heat island effect (by 2016)1 areas, manage • Strategy for the maintenance and management of the ACT’s green assets SCC/CAW/ and enhance and infrastructure developed (2018)2 CS green assets and infrastructure 1 Funded through existing resources 2 Future options for further consideration (currently unfunded) 10 Implementation Plan 1 (2013-2018) Strategy 5 - Strengthen community engagement Actions Strategy 5 — Milestones and Timeframes Lead Action 5.1 • Continue support for ParkCare, urban landcare and catchment PaCS Support greater management groups (refer to Action 4.5)1 community NCP/PaCS • Provide support to community events related to woodland involvement restoration (2013–2017)1 through volunteering Action 5.2 • Continue to provide support to community groups to provide PaCS Enhance and critical monitoring of the ACT’s biodiversity (ongoing)1 promote the use • Update ACTMAPi with new conservation related data layers NCP of citizen science and analysis (ongoing)1 projects • Annual environment grants- Community groups will be NCP supported through grants and provision of equipment and training (ongoing)1 Action 5.3 • Education / outreach activities with anglers on responsible NCP Implement fishing (2013–2018)1 targeted • Campaigns delivered: understanding the importance of box-gum NCP/SP community woodlands and native grasslands (2013)1; implications of climate education change on biodiversity in the ACT and region (2014)1; managing campaigns on the impacts of pets roaming from the suburbs (2015)2; managing priority issues backyards for biodiversity (2016)2; and greater awareness about managing the urban/bushland edge (2017)2 • Biennial forum on nature reserves to promote information NCP exchange, community education and awareness and planning (2014)2 See also Action 4.3 Action 5.4 • Involve indigenous people in woodland restoration (2013- 17)1 NCP/PaCS Build indigenous • Continuation of the Indigenous Ranger Program1 NCP/PaCS engagement in the management • Support Murrumbung Yurung Mara indigenous group in ACT NCP/PaCS of natural Government to engage with the aboriginal community on resources NRM issues (2013–2018)1 • Continue to employ an Indigenous Natural Resource NCP Management Facilitator2 Action 5.5 • Five areas adopted by 20181 PaCS Encourage the • Develop and implement a program to encourage and support NCP/PaCS involvement of educational institutions to ‘adopt’ an area of conservation youth in nature significance as places for nature-based education (mid 2015)1,2 conservation Action 5.6. • Finalise and implement the ACT Tracks and Trails Strategy1 PaCS Support • Finalise the ACT Mountain Bike Strategy1 PaCS appropriate recreational and tourism use of natural areas planning.act.gov.au 11 Actions Strategy 5 — Milestones and Timeframes Lead Action 5.7 • Continued support of Mulligan’s Flat Goorooyarroo Woodland NCP/PaCS Enhance key experiment (currently funded until 2015)1 partnerships • Work with rural landholders, Rural Landholders Association NCP/PaCS across and institutional landholders on woodland restoration works government, (2013–2017)1 community and the private sector • Formalise engagement with national networks focused on NCP biodiversity and climate change by the end of 20131 • Work with NSW partners to identify regional wildlife corridors NCP (2013)1 • Work with research partners to develop a dynamic ACT NCP Natural Resource Management framework that is ‘climate change ready’ (2016)2 1 Funded through existing resources 2 Future options for further consideration (currently unfunded) 12 Implementation Plan 1 (2013-2018) Responsibilities for measuring performance indicators Targets Targets from the NCS and Responsibilities and notes indicators Target 1 - Extent of lowland native vegetation NCP The overall extent (broad measure in overall hectares, • Periodic mapping of change in vegetation of lowland native to be monitored by vegetation extent against the vegetation community vegetation across community from 2013 when map (when complete) the ACT will be the revised ACT vegetation maintained, and the communities map is complete) condition of lowland Condition of lowland native NCP native vegetation vegetation (standard indicators • Utilise national standard condition indicators communities will be to be developed nationally under to report on change in condition of priority improved the Australian Native Vegetation ecosystems (grasslands, woodlands, forests Framework by 2015) and bogs) (inclusion of riparian ecosystems dependent on funding) Target 2 - Spatial links habitat connectivity NCP A measurable increase score is above a certain measure, • Will collect information based on the in connectivity as verified by 10 yearly on- ground monitoring protocol prepared by CSIRO between patches of assessments under the Functional Connectivity project, native vegetation, and update into the ACT connectivity layer non-native vegetation in urban areas, and Riverine connectivity measure (e.g. NCP along riparian areas number of in-stream barriers) • Map of anthropogenic in stream barriers and qualitative comments provided on the impact of these barriers and possible remediation measures. Funding would be required to conduct this mapping Target 3 - Abundance and distribution of Natural Resource Protection (TAMSD) / NCP A reduction in threats priority environmental ACT weeds • Collected through standard operations to biodiversity from (‘high’, ‘very high’ and ‘extreme’ / reporting on the Environmental Weeds weeds, pest animals danger ratings) in reserves Operation Plan (eWoP) and inappropriate fire regimes Abundance and distribution Natural Resource Protection (TAMSD) of significant pest animals; • Collected through standard operations significance and levels of damage / reporting on annual pest animal from pest animals management activities • Fish data collected through routine monitoring work by EPD Prescribed burning in high Forestry and Fire Management (TAMSD) / NCP conservation areas to be • TAMSD annual Bushfire Operation Plan informed by ecological guidelines (BoP) assessed against ecological guidelines and ecological fire thresholds. Monitoring undertaken to ensure • Monitoring of prescribed burning consistency undertaken of some high conservation areas (subject to on-going funding) planning.act.gov.au 13 Targets Targets from the NCS and Responsibilities and notes indicators Target 4 - Number of refugia identified NCP Impacts from and appropriately managed • Number of refugia identified and threatening processes, (maintained or enhanced) appropriately managed, and measured and climate change by management effort (eg funding and refugia in the ACT are activities) better understood and appropriately managed Monitoring programs established NCP in five ACT priority ecosystems • Data collected as part of routine monitoring considered to be most sensitive of threatened species and ecological to threats including: native communities grasslands, woodlands; alpine bogs, montane forests, and the • Additional funding will be required to Murrumbidgee-Cotter River system properly monitor in stream biodiversity Target 5 - Total number of groups Community and Visitor Program (TAMSD) An increase in • Collected through standard operations the area of land under volunteer Total number of ‘community work Community and Visitor Program (TAMSD) effort (ParkCare, hours’ devoted to management of • Collected through standard operations ‘Friends of’ or other reserves and other natural areas volunteer groups) in Total area treated by volunteers in Community and Visitor Program (TAMSD) management of the hectares Canberra Nature Park • Collected through standard operations Target 6 - Number of reserves or other Community and Visitor Program (TAMSD)/NCP Ten areas of natural areas adopted and actively • Collected through standard operations conservation used by schools or higher learning significance (including institutions areas outside Number of students involved in Community and Visitor Program (TAMSD)/NCP reserves) ‘adopted’ by learning activities in these sites • Collected through standard operations ACT schools or higher learning institutions as sites for nature based education Target 7 - Number of education campaigns NCP Increased community delivered • Count of number of campaigns delivered understanding of, and support for, the Community surveys and Community and Visitor Program (TAMSD)/NCP protection of the ACT’s consultation • Community surveys designed and delivered biodiversity by EPD and TAMSD • Community consultations run by EPD and TAMSD 14 Implementation Plan 1 (2013-2018)

Appendix 1 Summary of commitments for the Nature Conservation Strategy (2013-2023) Vision: Biodiversity rich, resilient landscapes stretching from the inner city to the mountains, where well functioning ecosystems can meet the needs of people and the environment 1. Native vegetation and 2. Landscapes are more 3. Community health and well- OUTCOMES biodiversity is maintained resilient, including to climate being is increased through and improved change use and appreciation of natural areas and ‘green assets’ in urban areas 1. The overall extent of lowland 3. A reduction in threats 5. An increase in the area of TARGETS native vegetation across the to biodiversity from land under volunteer effort ACT will be maintained, and inappropriate fire regimes, (Parkcare, ‘Friends of’ or the condition of lowland weeds, pest animals and other volunteer groups) in native vegetation communities urban development management of the Canberra will be improved Nature Park 4. Impacts from threatening 2. A measurable increase in processes, and climate change 6. NCP Ten areas of conservation connectivity between patches refugia in the ACT are better significance (including areas of native vegetation, non- understood and appropriately outside reserves) ‘adopted’ by native vegetation in urban managed ACT schools or higher learning areas, and riverine systems institutions as sites for nature based education 7. Increased community understanding of, and support for, the protection of the ACT’s biodiversity planning.act.gov.au 15 1. Enhance habitat 2. Manage threats 3. Protect species 4. Enhance 5. Strengthen STRATEGIES connectivity to biodiversity and ecological biodiversity community and ecosystem communities value of urban engagement function areas 1. Develop baseline 1. Implement ACT 1. Manage the 1. Manage impacts 1. Support greater ACTIONS information Weed Strategy protected area of urban community on landscape (2009–19) estate development on involvement function biodiversity through 2. Implement 2. Develop, volunteering 2. Undertake fine Pest Animal implement 2. Manage urban scale planning Management and review space 2. Enhance and for habitat Strategy Action Plans promote the use 3. Enhance connectivity (2012–22) for threatened of citizen science connectivity species and 3. Enhance regional 3. Manage total through urban 3. Implement communities connectivity grazing pressure areas targeted on ecosystem 3. Restore and community 4. Assess 4. Manage the function in manage priority education conservation urban edge reserves landscapes campaigns on investment 5. Support Urban priority issues opportunities 4. Establish and 4. Identify Landcare across public implement biodiversity 4. Build Indigenous and ParkCare and privately ecologically refugia under engagement in activities managed lands appropriate fire drought and the management in the ACT regimes climate change 6. Manage and of natural enhance green resources 5. Fund priority 5. Implement 5. Monitor assets and landscape improved five priority 5. Encourage the infrastructure actions catchment ecosystems most involvement of management to vulnerable to youth in nature support aquatic threats conservation ecosystems 6. Implement 6. Enhance key 6. Develop and captive breeding partnerships implement a programs and across migratory species translocation government, action plan programs community and the private sector 7. Develop and 7. Propagate and implement an translocate ACT soils Policy threatened plants 8. Establish seed banks and seed orchards 16 Implementation Plan 1 (2013-2018)

Appendix 2 - Roles of ACT Government agencies 1. Environment and Planning Directorate (EPD) i Nature Conservation Policy (NCP) Natural Environment The Natural Environment team has responsibility for the legislative framework for conservation and environmental protection, in particular the Nature Conservation Act 1980. The Branch is also responsible for the ACT Nature Conservation Strategy; action plans for threatened species and ecological communities, pest and weed strategies, and has significant input into bushfire planning and management of fisheries. Natural Resource Management Programs Team (NRM Team) The NRM team administers program funds including from the ACT’s Environment Grants Program and Australian Government programs including the Caring for our Country initiative. The Section coordinates development of NRM investment proposals and provides secretariat support to the NRM Council. Conservation Planning and Research (CPR) CPR undertakes research on local flora and fauna, prepares scientific advice on the environment and natural resource management, conducts ecological surveys, monitors biodiversity and prepares and guides implementation of threatened species action plans and fisheries management plans. CPR also prepares Plans of Management for parks and reserves in the ACT, and development and planning advice is provided on ecological matters. ii Sustainability and Climate Change (SCC) Sustainability and Climate Change develops policies on issues relating to waste management, climate change, energy and environmental sustainability more widely. Sustainability Programs administers and helps design a number of sustainability programs that impact on natural resource management in the ACT. These include the ACTSmart Office and the ACTSmart Business recycling programs, and the Australian Sustainable Schools Initiative (AuSSI). AuSSI is a partnership of the Australian Government and the states and territories which seeks to support schools and their communities to become sustainable. Sustainability Programs also manages the Community Partnerships program which funds the Canberra Environment Centre, the Conservation Council South East Region and SEE-Change ACT. iii Strategic Planning (SP) This Section undertakes major strategic projects and is responsible for strategic planning initiatives to achieve quality urban development including the review of codes and guidelines, Our City, Town Centre reviews, Local Area plans, Section and Local Area plans, and Section and Local Centre Masterplans. 2 Territory and Municipal Services Directorate (TAMSD) i City Services City Services is responsible for a range of core municipal and Territory services, which include key operational areas and functions for: Licensing and Compliance (eg, policy, guidelines and licensing for use of public land and provisions under the Nature Conservation Act 1980); Place Management (eg, city-wide cleaning and open space asset maintenance including mowing); Urban Treescapes (eg, urban tree planning, management and maintenance); and Asset Data and Integration (eg, providing divisional support in relation to asset data management, and GIS mapping). ii Parks and Conservation Service (PaCS) The Parks and Conservation Service is a Branch within the Parks and City Services Division responsible for planning and management of parks, reserves and rural lands. It protects and conserves the natural resources of the ACT and promotes appropriate recreational, educational and scientific uses of our parks and reserves. planning.act.gov.au 17 3. Justice and Community Safety Directorate (JACS) i Emergency Services Agency (ESA) The ACT Emergency Services Agency (ESA) is the ACT Government organisation charged with providing emergency management services to the Canberra community. The ESA comprises the ACT Ambulance Service, ACT Fire & Rescue, the ACT Rural Fire Service, the ACT State Emergency Service and the ESA Support Services. 18 Implementation Plan 1 (2013-2018)