Nature Conservation Forum

The second Nature Conservation Forum (NCF) meeting of 2026 delivered key updates from the Minister for Climate Change, Environment, Energy and Water, government officials and community environment organisations, with a strong focus on African Lovegrass Management, protected areas and environmental compliance activities.

African Lovegrass Management Principles

The Conservation Council ACT Region presented draft management principles developed by its Biodiversity Working Group. Members discussed prioritising early intervention, strengthening community partnerships, and improving education. They also raised concerns about risks to urban green spaces, parks, reserves, and rural areas.

The CED co-chair thanked the Conservation Council ACT Region for preparing the principles advised that the City and Environment Directorate would present draft management principles for African Love Grass at the next NCF meeting.

Protecting Nature in the ACT

The Conservation Council ACT Region Biodiversity Working Group presented case studies highlighting perceived gaps in the legal enforceability of current ACT planning mechanisms for protected areas. Members noted the presentation.

Minister for Climate Change, Environment, Energy and Water – Suzanne Orr MLA

The Forum welcomed Minister Suzanne Orr, who acknowledged members’ contributions and discussed current government priorities in relation to nature and the environment.

Compliance and Enforcement

The Office of Nature Conservation’s Compliance Officer briefed the Forum on 2025–26 compliance activities, including officer training, updated fishing signage, and community engagement.

The Forum commended the progress and strongly supported ongoing and expanded compliance efforts, including continued resourcing of the compliance officer role.

Condition Assessment of Travelling Stock Reserves

The Friends of Grasslands provided a paper on the condition of Travelling Stock Reserves (TSR) in the ACT highlighting their significant cultural and ecological values. The Forum noted to importance of TSRs as part of off-reserve conservation and to the revised Nature Conservation Strategy.

Consultation and Engagement Outlook

The Forum noted updates on current consultations which include:

• Nature Conservation Act and Strategy
• Buru (Eastern Grey Kangaroo) Controlled Native Species Management Plan

Reports

The following reports were provided for noting and not discussed at the meeting:

• Thermal Assisted Aerial Control Program (TACC)
• Alpine Ash EPBC Listing
• Volunteer Organisations Insurance

Next Meeting

The next NCF meeting is scheduled for Thursday 20 August 2026.

The first Nature Conservation Forum (NCF) meeting of 2026 brought key updates from government and community environment organisations, with a strong focus on strategic planning, legislative reforms, and support for volunteers. The NCF also welcomed new members from ACT Bees + Pollinators and Wombat Rescue.

Priorities for 2026

The co-chairs of the Forum, Landcare ACT, the Conservation Council and the City and Environment Directorate (CED) Environment, Heritage and Planning, shared their respective priorities and directions for 2026.

Policy and Legislative Updates

The NCF received updates from ACT Government representatives on the Urban Forest Act; the Municipal Infrastructure Standards (MIS25) Plants Species for Urban Landscape Project and Nature Conservation Act review. Members noted that public consultation on the draft Nature Conservation Strategy 2026-2036 is now open via Your Say and closes on 27 March 2026.

Volunteer Support

The ACT Insurance Authority (ACTIA) provided an update on ACT Government insurance coverage for approved volunteer activities. ACTIA discuss insurance coverage arrangements for volunteers aged 8-90. The NCF agreed that Natural Resource Management (NRM) in conjunction with interested volunteer groups would further engage with ACTIA about options to maximise the efficiencies of insurance coverage for volunteer organisations.

NRM updated the members on a new online volunteer activity plan for ParkCare and Urban Places and Parks volunteer groups, set to replace paper-based processes and streamline approvals. The NCF commended the ACT Government on this body of work. The NCF also noted that the online portal is being trialled by some volunteer groups and training would be provided to support groups use the new system.

African Lovegrass Management

The Conservation Council ACT presented a paper that was prepared by their Biodiversity Working Group about strengthening African Lovegrass management in the ACT. Members discussed the paper, including mowing practices, community involvement, and the need for long‑term, resource‑efficient management.

The Forum noted the paper and thanked the Conservation Council for preparing the paper. The CED co-chair advised that consideration would be given on how to respond to the recommendations in the paper and further advice would be provided.

Consultation and Engagement Outlook

The Forum noted upcoming consultations which include:

• Nature Conservation Act and Strategy
• ACT Nest Box Conservator Guidelines
• Draft Technical Paper on Wombats
• Waragul Consultative Committee
• Buru (Eastern Grey Kangaroo) Controlled Native Species Management Plan

Reports

The following reports were provided for noting and not discussed at the meeting:

• Searching for Antechinus and Common Dunnart in the ACT lowlands technical report
• ACT Protected Native Species List amendments
• Biosecurity – Avian Influenza Preparedness update
• Nature Mapr update
• Incorporating social values into conservation decision-making - Great Gungahlin area survey

Next Meeting

The next NCF meeting is scheduled for Thursday 21 May 2026.

Updated Terms of Reference and new name

Following months of refinement, further amendments were made to the to the forum’s Terms of Reference to ensure flexibility in participation (allowing organisational representatives or individuals to attend with co‑chair approval), to include the ACT Landscape Plan within scope, and to avoid pre‑committing the forum to outcomes of the yet‑to‑be‑finalised Nature Conservation Strategy. Members endorsed the updated Terms of Reference and thus renamed the forum to the Nature Conservation Forum.

Climate Change

Members received updates on the forthcoming ACT Climate Change Strategy and the Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment for Nature Conservation Values. The Forum emphasised the importance of government recording and acknowledging the breadth of community engagement in policy and program development.

National OECM Framework

The Forum was briefed on implementation of the National Other Effective area‑based Conservation Measures framework in the ACT. Members highlighted the need for adequate funding for all land managers and discussed the importance of understanding causes of “conservation abandonment.”

Collaborative Weed Management

The Forum was briefed on the draft Terms of Reference for a new Weeds Advisory Group that is being established by the City and Environment Directorate to replace the Weeds Working Group. Members discussed how community concerns could be raised through the group and noted challenges in under‑resourced government‑community interfaces. The Conservator also provided advice on Callery Pear, concluding it does not currently meet criteria for pest listing or removal from the ACT planting list. Its impacts will continue to be monitored. NCF is happy to receive any new research articles on the matter.

EPBC Act Reforms

The Forum noted the national EPBC Act reform process underway. The ACT Government is considering making a submission, and members were encouraged to lodge submissions promptly. Information and publicly available documents can be accessed via the parliamentary website.

Consultation and Engagement Outlook

The Forum note upcoming consultations which include:

• Controlled Native Species Management Plans (Buru/EGK and Dingo/Waragul)
• Nature Conservation Strategy
• Reserve Management Plans
• ACT Climate Change Strategy
• Draft Technical Paper on Wombat Management

The Wombat Management Draft Technical Paper will be released for public consultation shortly.

Canberra Nature Mapr

The Forum noted that Canberra Nature Mapr will wind up operations but will honour existing ACT Government contracts until 2029. Records will continue to be uploaded to the Atlas of Living Australia. Users are encouraged to download data before closure. Members expressed gratitude to the Nature Mapr team for their contributions.

Reports and Working Groups

• The African Lovegrass Field Day report was noted.
• Bluetts Block will no longer require a standing information paper; updates will be provided as needed.

Outgoing member

Members noted that this may be the last meeting for Sarah Sharp as the representative of Friends of Grasslands. Members moved a note of thanks to Ms Sharp for her positive and substantial contribution to the BCF and the ACT’s natural environment.

Next meeting

The next BCF meeting is scheduled for Thursday, 19 February 2026.

Biodiversity Conservation Forum (BCF) Revised Terms of Reference

The BCF reviewed an updated draft of its Terms of Reference. Members provided valuable feedback—particularly on how the Forum supportsthe Nature Conservation Strategy. Members also emphasised the importance of receiving sufficient notice to allow meaningful consultation with their networks.

The final version of the revised terms of reference will be presented for endorsement at the November 2025 BCF meeting.

City and Environment Directorate Update

The BCF was briefed on changes since the new City and Environment Directorate (CED) came into effect on 1 July 2025. Key appointments include Dave Peffer as Director-General and Bruce Fitzgerald and Sam Engele as Deputy Directors-General.

Volunteering ACT

Volunteering ACT shared insights into the ACT’s Volunteer Strategy (2024-2034) and its co-designed Action Plan, developed in collaboration with government and advisory groups. Key findings from the recent State of Volunteering in the ACT Report. show74.6% of the ACT population aged over 15 years volunteered, contributing 63.7 million volunteer hours and billions of dollars’ worth of benefits to the ACT community.

Environmental Volunteers Conference 2025

Held on 8–9 August, the second ACT Environmental Volunteers Conference—hosted by ACT Government, in partnership with Landcare ACT —focused on the theme ‘Regeneration’. The conference attracted 94 environmental volunteers on the field trip day and around 170 volunteers on the conference day. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with strong support for future events. Thanks to Landcare ACT, Catchment Groups, ACT Government, and volunteers for their contributions to a successful event.

Nature Conservation Act and Strategy Review
The BCF received an update from the Office of Nature Conservation on the review of the Nature Conservation Act and Strategy. Discussions highlighted the need to protect conservation areas outside the reserve system and adopt a landscape scale approach to conservation.

Sleeper Weeds

The BCF discussed the emerging sleeper weedsin the ACT review undertaken by Rainher Rehwinkel, Friends of Grasslands and Conservation Council’s Biodiversity Working Group.

Bren Burkevics, CED, proposed establishing a standing consultative body to facilitate collaboration between the government and community on weed-related issues. Governance options will be explored with community input.

Avian Influenza (H5N1) Preparedness
The Office of Nature Conservation’s Senior Faunal Ecologist presented on the ACT’s wildlife response planning for H5N1 avian influenza. Resources and updates are available via the Australian Government website.

Urban Biodiversity Spatial Tools
The BCF were updated on the by the Office of Nature Conservation’s Urban Ecology team on the development of 2 spatial mapping tools that can be used to inform biodiversity protection and restoration efforts. The restoration focused spatial tool is scheduled for release to the public in September 2025.

Updates For Noting

The following information papers were provided for noting and not discussed at the meeting:

• Consultation and engagement outlook
• Bluetts Block Update

The next BCF meeting is scheduled for Thursday, 20 November 2025.

ACT Government’s Machinery of Government Changes

The BCF was updated on changes, which will take effect from 1 July 2025. These include the creation of new directorates the City and Environment Directorate (merging TCCS, EPSDD, and Access Canberra), and the Health and Community Services Directorate. A new Digital Canberra Directorate will also be established. Executive-level appointments are underway, with Director-General roles expected to be filled by July, followed by Deputy Director-General recruitment. Agencies will continue their functions during the transition.

Biodiversity Conservation Forum (BCF) Governance Working Group

The BCF Governance Working Group is a time-limited working group established to prepare an updated terms of reference for the BCF. The Landcare ACT co-chair, on behalf of the Working Group, presented outcomes from its recent review of the forum’s terms of reference. In discussions, members highlighted the need for clear protocols around information sharing and consultation processes. Members also emphasised that the forum’s role is to gather community perspectives rather than provide technical advice, and that meaningful consultation requires adequate notice and feedback mechanisms. An updated terms of reference will be considered by the BCF at their August 2025 meeting.

Weeds: Key results from recent analysis of 10 years of data

The Office of Nature Conservation’s Senior Vegetation Ecologist presented findings from an analysis of data on weed management control effort in ACT Parks and Reserves. The presentation showcased findings from over a decade of data on seven high-impact weed species. The analysis aims to identify the most effective control strategies and may be expanded to other land tenures. The forum discussed the importance of collaboration between public and private landholders, and the valuable role of community groups in managing local weed issues.

Community Funded Programs Review

EPSDD provided an update on the review of community-funded programs. The review of community organisation funded programs was a Labor government election commitment. Because they are publicly funded programs, there needs to be a process to ensure that they are a reasonable expenditure of public funds. There will be a process for programs commencing in coming months.

Fish Conservation and Compliance

The Office of Nature Conservation’s (ONC)Aquatic Ecologist presented an update on the Upper Cotter blackfish recovery project. This project is successfully supporting the post-bushfire recovery of native fish populations through the installation of artificial habitat structures known as bungalows. This initiative is part of broader riparian restoration efforts in the region.

The forum was also briefed by the Office of Nature Conservation’s Fisheries Conservation Officer on fisheries compliance activities. The program of activities has included patrols, improved signage, and training for rangers and operational staff.

Reserve Management Plans

The Forum discussed the updating of Reserve Management Plans, noting that legislative requirements are driving the timelines. Members expressed concern about the number of plans requiring revision and the limited resources available to support this work. They advocated for a phased approach to public consultation, with clear communication about timelines and how community feedback will be incorporated into final plans.

Updates For Noting

The following information papers were provided for noting and not discussed at the meeting:

• Nature Conservation Strategy five-year report card
• Ecological and cultural burns in the ACT
• EHP Ecological Advice for Planting and Mowing
• Bluetts Block Update

Member Organisation Updates

Member organisations shared the following updates.

• Landcare ACT is developing a new strategic plan, though progress has been slower than expected due to leadership transitions.
• The National Parks Association is conducting a survey on its four-year bogs and fens project.
• The Conservation Council is also undertaking a strategic planning survey to guide its future direction.

The next BCF meeting is scheduled for Thursday, 14 August 2025.

Priorities and outlook for 2025

Landcare ACT, the Conservation Council and the Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development (EPSDD)shared their respective priorities and directions for 2025.

In discussions about priorities the BCF noted that weeds management across the ACT requires a collective and coordinated approach across all land tenures. The BCF also welcomed the pilot program for volunteer groups to use power tools in parks and reserves to assist groups with weed management.

Role of the Biodiversity Conservation Forum (BCF)

The BCF discussed a paper presented by the EPSDD Co-Chair on options to further strengthen the role of the BCF.

The BCF agreed that the meeting provides a highly effective mechanism for the ACT Government and community environmental groups to share information and discuss policy priorities and approaches on biodiversity and environmental matters. The EPSDD co-chair discussed options including incorporating a decision making capability, recognising the group as a formal consultation mechanism, and reviewing membership to ensure all groups are included. The BCF agreed to establish a time-limited working group to prepare a new governance document for the BCF.

EPSDD role in bushfire risk management & Autumn Burn Program

The Senior Director of the Fire Management of PCS, EPSDD presented on the role of EPSDD in bushfire risk management. The presentation covered the ACT Bushfire Management Planning Framework; the modelling and data that underpins fuel load risk management, and the autumn burn program.

Key points from the presentation included:

• The ACT Bushfire Management Planning Framework was revised following the 2003 Canberra fires.
• During an incident EPSDD is part of cross-agency teams assisting with the suppression of fires and bushfire recovery.
• EPSDD has an on-going role in fuel load management. It uses modelling and other tools to identify priority areas for fuel reduction. Fuel reduction burns also consider ecological outcomes.
• The next Strategic Bushfire Management Plan (SBMP) will be out for public consultation at the end of 2025.

The BCF re-iterated the importance of communicating to the public the role of fire management to protect Canberra’s natural values and to keep the community safe.

Sleeper weeds

The Conservation Council co-chair provided an update on a review of emerging invasive or sleeper weeds in the ACT. The review has been undertaken Friends of Grasslands and Conservation Council’s Biodiversity Working Group.

The EPSDD Co-Chair noted that he has requested the weeds working group reconvene as soon as possible to continue its collaborative work. He also discussed the possibility of the weeds working group being escalated to a formal steering committee noting the significant challenges of managing weeds in the future.

Burrowing animal guidelines

Representatives of the Conservator briefed the BCF on the Nature Conservation: Protection of Burrowing Animals During Development Conservator Guidelines 2025. These guidelines came into effect on 18 February 2025 and provide greater guidance to developers on identifying and managing burrowing animals in development areas.

Western Edge

The EPSDD Co-chair noted that the most recent updates are available on the ACT Government website.

Offset policy renewal update

EPSDD has progressed several internal reviews of offset governance and policy arrangements. These have  helped to guide and inform governance reform and future action, including the future need to refresh the offsets policy. Noting work on the Australian Government’s Nature Positive agenda including offsets has been paused, EPSDD will consider next steps and discuss these with the Minister after the Federal election.

Project Updates

The Office of Nature Conservation within EPSDD presented the Restoration Prioritisation Map tool. The tool assists users in identifying priority areas for vegetation restoration in the ACT.

Working Group and Project Updates

The following information papers were provided for noting and not discussed at the meeting:

• Invasive Plants Working Group
• Bluetts Block & Friends of Bluetts Block Engagement
• Avian influenza
• Weeds Manual
• 2025 Environmental Volunteers Conference, 8-9 August 2025

The next meeting is scheduled for 15 May 2025.