Grasslands must be protected for future
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Wednesday, 16 December, 2009
Media release
A leading conservation group today supported calls by Victorian researchers to save Melbourne's unique grasslands environment from the Brumby Government's plans to extend Melbourne's urban growth boundary (UGB).
In a statement released yesterday, researchers highlighted studies by the University of Melbourne, La Trobe University and RMIT University, which have shown that even small patches of grasslands, such as those earmarked for clearing under the UGB proposal, can support populations of endangered species.
The proposed expansion of Melbourne's UGB is currently being assessed by the Federal Environment Minister Peter Garrett under national environmental laws.
Matt Ruchel from the Victorian National Parks Association urged Minister Garrett to put tough conditions on Melbourne's urban growth plans.
"The scientists are telling us that small grassland reserves within the urban growth area are critical for the protection of critically-endangered plants and animals. They are also a great way for local urban communities to enjoy and understand their natural areas," he said.
"Minister Garrett must ensure that strict and comprehensive conditions are placed on Melbourne's urban sprawl to ensure these critically endangered grasslands and grassy woodlands have the best chance of survival.
"The VNPA supports the researchers' proposal to create a network of conservation reserves within the urban growth boundary, to allow for housing development while protecting and restoring our endangered grasslands."
The Brumby Government has proposed to clear almost 7,000 hectares of critically endangered grasslands and grassy woodlands as part of Melbourne urban growth plans.
Up to 25 animals and 32 plants listed as nationally significant could be impacted. Threatened animals including the Striped Legless Lizard, Golden Sun Moth and Growling Grass Frog, and plants such as Matted Flax Lilly and Spiny Rice Flower, are all at risk.
"While the commitment by the Brumby Government to create a 15,000 hectare grasslands reserve is a good step, this needs to be complimented by protection of smaller reserves, stricter conditions, and a clear implementation plan to deliver real protection for some of the most threaten species in Victoria," Mr Ruchel said.
The VNPA is calling for improvement to the urban growth plan in five key areas:
- Clear and deliverable grassland reserve implementation plan.
- Enforceable regional biodiversity conservation strategies though the protection of all key areas under planning overlays, regional conservation strategies and precinct plans, and a clear transparent approval process for changes to this protection.
- Prescriptions and rules for the protection of high value grassland areas and the establishment of an urban grassland network within the urban area.
- Commitment to a northern grassy woodland reserve and improved prescriptions.
- Delivering real offsets for areas that will be cleared.
For interviews contact: Sacha Myers, VNPA media officer, on 0417 017 844.
