Greg Hunt: Minister for the Environment

The Hon Greg Hunt MP
Minister for the Environment

MCI5-005132

The Hon Dr Andrew Leigh MP
Member for Fraser
Unit 8/1 Torrens Street
BRADDON ACT 2612

- 4 MAR Z015

Dear Dr Leigh

I refer to your letter of 10 November 2014 to the Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development, the Hon Warren Truss MP, concerning environmental protection in the area surrounding the Ginninderra Falls, which Mr Truss has referred to me for advice. I regret the delay in responding.

The Australian Government is investing more than $2 billion in managing our natural resources over the next four years. This investment will be administered through a number of key initiatives and complementary grass roots programmes, such as the National Landcare Programme, 20 Million Trees Programme and Green Army Programme. The funds will help communities take practical action towards improving their local environment and promote the long term sustainability and management of Australia's biodiversity.

The Government is delivering on its international commitment to protect and conserve at least 17 per cent of Australia's landmass, including properties on public, private and Indigenous land. The National Reserve System (NRS) is Australia's network offormally protected areas, conserving examples of our natural landscapes and native species for future generations. For more information or: the NRS, please visit: www.environment.gov.au/land/nrs.

While states and territories are primarily responsible for reserve establishment and management, the Australian Government has a role in providing policy support and guidance in relation to the NRS. You may wish to suggest that Mr Watson contact the Australian Capital Territory and New South Wales goverrunents regarding this matter. The relevant agencies are the Environment and Planning Directorate of the ACT Government (contact 011 13 22 81 or by email at:environment@act.gov.au) and the NSW Office of Environinent and Heritage (contact on (02) 9995 5000 or by email at:info@environment.nsw.gov.au).

I have asked officials from the Department of the Environment to meet with Mr Watson and his colleagues to discuss the NRS. The Department will contact Mr Watson directly.

Thank you for bringing Mr Watson's issues to my attention.

Yours sincerely

Greg Hunt