ACT NRM is the regional NRM body for the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). ACT NRM sits within the ACT Government. ACT NRM’s focus include biodiversity and conservation; First Nations natural resource management; sustainable agriculture; community engagement and facilitation; and citizen science. Within these focus areas ACT NRM carries out a wide range of programs, many in partnership with stakeholders across the community and all levels of government, to conserve and enhance the natural resources of the ACT.
Around 60% of the ACT is conservation reserve, including Namadgi National Park, Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve and the many urban reserves that make up Canberra Nature Park. These reserves offer protection for local species and ecosystems as well as recreational opportunities for our community. The ACT has two major river catchments—the Murrumbidgee and Molonglo—and important tributaries such as the Cotter River, Ginninderra Creek and Jerrabomberra Creek. These are important for Canberra’s water supply and agriculture.
The ACT has 52 threatened species including three key threatened ecological communities:
Vegetation communities provide homes for most threatened plants and animals and are under pressure from a range of threats.
Agriculture plays a significant role in the ACT, with 40,000 hectares (15% of the ACT) managed by our farming families. These farms produce beef, lamb and wool and undertake horse agistment and equestrian enterprises. Other ACT agricultural enterprises include free range eggs, chickens, alpacas and llamas, fruit and vegetables, wine, olives and truffles.
Our urban footprint continues to grow. The ACT Planning Strategy sets a target for 70% of new growth to occur within the existing urban footprint. Currently, 58% of the projected growth is accommodated through ‘infill’ within the existing urban footprint. New greenfield developments are being planned and constructed in the Molonglo, West Belconnen and Gungahlin areas. In addition to the direct impacts, increased urban development brings related challenges such as the need for increased transport and infrastructure, which has further impact on the environment.
The Ngunnawal people are original inhabitants of the Canberra region and its earliest land managers who continue to remain culturally connected to Country. Ngunnawal people occupying the diverse landscape of the ACT region possessed great knowledge of the environment, skillful custodianship and close cooperation with their own family members and other groups. This knowledge lives on through the Traditional Custodians today.
The ACT Government is the governing body for the Australian Capital Territory. It operates as both a state and local government, responsible for matters such as healthcare, education, public transport, infrastructure, housing, and environmental management.
Learn more about natural resource management in the ACT.
