Jerrabomberra Wetlands

Why is it Significant?

Jerrabomberra Wetlands is one of the most valuable wetland habitats in the ACT, increasing the biological diversity of Lake Burley Griffin and Canberra City.  It provides a series of wetland habitats which support a rich and diverse bird fauna, including most of the wetland species occurring in southern Australia.  Many terrestrial birds occur there as well as a number of platypus and water rats and other wildlife including invertebrates, amphibians, reptiles and fish.

Why is it at Risk?

As part of an electrical easement upgrade for new suburbs a 1.4km long trench, 1.25m deep and 4m wide will be excavated across the wetlands partially destroying paleo-channels of the Molonglo River.

What needs to be done?

Electrical easement redirected and the designated area of the wetlands remain as a nature park.  If the trenching does go ahead then an archaeological and geomorphological investigation be incorporated into the development to investigate the paleo-channels.