The new Franklin Grasslands Nature Reserve will strengthen the conservation of threatened species and provide the community a new place to connect with our environment.

Minister for the Environment and Heritage Mick Gentleman said the Franklin Grasslands nature reserve added to the other 37 nature reserves that make up the incredible Canberra Nature Park. 

“The site has been identified as a suitable offset for the critically endangered golden sun moth and the ecological important natural temperate grassland,” Minister Gentleman said.

“Franklin Grasslands is also a valuable ecosystem that is home to Ginninderra peppercress, a Yellow Box – Red Gum Grassy woodland, the pergunga grasshopper and habitats for the superb parrot and striped legless lizard.

“We are committed to preserving what you love about the bush capital through nature reserves like Franklin Grasslands, which give our threatened species a protected environment to live in.

“The ACT Government will now manage the site, including increasing weed and pest control and reviewing grazing and land management.”

Member for Yerrabi Suzanne Orr said the reserve follows extensive consultation with the Franklin community last year and the proposal was well received and is now coming to fruition.

“This is a big win for the community and something I have advocated strongly for as Member for Yerrabi along with the Friends of Grasslands and residents of the surrounding area,” said Minister Suzanne Orr.

“Our temperate grasslands are magical places with lots of unique plants and animals, we are very lucky to have them and with so little remaining in Eastern Australia it is critical we continue to look after them.

“The Franklin Grasslands Reserve will protect some of our most vulnerable native species, while ensuring we maintain the natural landscape that Canberrans love.”

Statement ends