Released 18/09/2019
Seven thousand Blakely's Red Gum seedlings are being planted across the ACT to improve endangered Box-Gum woodland habitat and better understand how native species can adapt to climate change.
Our region is home to a fantastic array of established Box-Gum environments and Blakely’s Red Gums are a key component of woodlands that are spread throughout the ACT.
Box-Gum woodlands provide important habitat for many of the ACT’s native wildlife including the critically endangered superb parrot and vulnerable little eagles.
Up to 3,500 seedings are being planted in Kowen Forest, 1,500 on rural land at Tidbinbilla Station, a further 1,500 at CSIRO's Ginninderra Station and an additional 850 will be planted in the Naas Valley on rural land.
The plantings will trial seed collected from Blakely's Red Gums in NSW, Queensland and Victoria to see if they are less susceptible to the stresses the local populations face in the ACT, including 'dieback', a condition which can deteriorate the health of Box-Gums in the ACT.
The trials will provide valuable information on how Red Gums from different locations grow into mature trees under a changing climate. It will also explore hollow formations, which are future homes for native animals and ideal for breeding and nesting.
Growing our tree coverage aligns with the ACT Government's latest Climate Change Strategy, which outlines how we will become a more sustainable and liveable city and adapt to a changing climate.
The trials are a collaboration between the ACT Government and the CSIRO. Early project planning and seed collections were in partnership with Greening Australia.
Footage of Red Gum plantings at Kowen Forest can be accessed at Red gum plantings.
- Statement ends -
Mick Gentleman, MLA | Media Releases
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