Andrew Leigh

I am pleased to partner with local MLA Suzanne Orr and Friends of Grassland to raise awareness around the ecological value of Canberra's grassland. 

The North Mitchell Grassland, a Natural Temperate Grassland, has been assigned the highest conservation category according to the ACT Grassland Strategy. 

During the spring time, numerous flowering plants of Bindweed, Common Everlasting, Lemon Beautyhead and Scrambled Eggs can be seen in the grassland along with some plants of Woodruff and Blue Devil. The main native grass is Tall Spear Grass, but other native grasses are present such as Weeping Grass. The reserve also contains three threatened species: Ginninderra Peppercress (known only from this and other other site), Golden Sun Moth and Striped Legless Lizard. The site also contains a natural wetland and a remnant stand of Yellow Box and Red Gum Grassy woodland trees.

However, most of the site is covered with Phalaris, a non native grass and other weeds. This grassland reserve is one of several large grassland reserves in the Gungahlin area.

If properly restored and managed it could be used to showcase Natural Temperate Grassland, protect threatened species, include a wetland and a restored woodland. Management could include cultural burns. Good landscaping may include natural pathways to allow residents to use this as a recreational area while not jeopardising conservation values.