ACEPDcustomerservices@act.gov.au

Re. DA202544046

Friends of Grasslands (FOG) is a community group dedicated to the conservation of grassy ecosystems in south-eastern Australia - natural temperate grasslands and grassy woodlands. FOG advocates, educates and advises on matters to do with the conservation of these ecosystems, and carries out surveys and on-ground work. FOG is based in Canberra and its members include professional scientists, landowners, land managers and interested members of the public.

FOG acknowledges the efforts made to reduce the loss of native trees, including the retention of the two remnant trees, the condition of the 0.48ha EPBC Box-Gum woodland proposed for clearance and green spaces within the development for ecological connectivity.

Capital Ecology assessed that the whole 16ha site would have supported the Box Gum woodland vegetation community prior to disturbance through grazing and other uses, with only 0.48ha meeting the EPBC definition.  While we do not disagree with the Conservator’s opinion that the development would be unlikely to have a significant environmental impact, FOG considers that it remains a loss to this critically endangered community when viewed at a District or landscape scale. 

FOG notes the reference in the Conservator’s Environmental Significance Opinion to the quality and function of habitat in University Park directly to the south of the development that could provide habitat for terrestrial mammals with some improvements.  FOG proposes that this represents an opportunity for the University of Canberra, with investment by Peet Bruce, to commit to restoring an equivalent 0.48ha of grassy woodland within the park.  An isolated remnant Eucalyptus blakelyi is located south of the carpark (refer Figure 5 and 6, Ecological Impact Assessment, Capital Ecology) and could act as a focal spot for such restoration which would also protect this mature native tree from further impacts. 

FOG members attended an early consultation on the design of University Park late last year along with colleagues from the Ginninderra Catchment Group, where it was clear that the challenge would be to balance the desired social, educational, and recreational outcomes with the retention and protection of vegetation communities and habitat for a range of fauna.  FOG urges both Peet Bruce and the University of Canberra to explore partnership opportunities to re-establish this woodland vegetation community in nearby areas including University Park to compensate for losses on the Onderra site.

Further recommendations about management of vegetation on campus may be identified in: Sarah Sharp, UNIVERSITY OF CANBERRA HERITAGE STUDY 2014 VEGETATION ASSESSMENT. Report prepared for ERIC MARTIN AND ASSOCIATES

Yours sincerely

 

Professor Jamie Pittock
President, Friends of Grasslands
1 September 2025