The following residents of the ACT draw the attention of the Assembly that Ginninderra Falls, a magnificent natural asset located near West Belconnen (and only 25 kilometres from Australia's Parliament House), is currently being sold.
We are worried this sale could potentially rob the public of their chance to access this beautiful waterfall and the surrounding area. We want to see Ginninderra Falls serve not only as a local attraction, but also a haven for native wildlife. It boasts rare plant species and serves as a nesting ground for endangered birds. The future of its richness and biodiversity is uncertain.
Preserving the falls and ensuring public access is beneficial for promoting tourism to the ACT, supporting ecological conservation, and maintaining regional and indigenous heritage. The people of Canberra and the region have been denied access to this once popular attraction for 20 years. For these compelling reasons, action is needed to save Ginninderra Falls.
Your petitioners request the Assembly to call on the ACT Government to work with the NSW Government and the future buyer of Ginninderra Falls to ensure the following:
- The ecological values of the land are protected.
- The land is made publicly accessible, subject to appropriate environmental protections.
- Sites of significance to First Nations people are managed by First Nations people.
- Ginninderry's EPBC approval conditions are fulfilled.
- A national park is established to include Ginninderra Falls as well as the Murrumbidgee and Ginninderra gorges.
- The development of a 5-10 year plan about how this could be achieved with the milestones legislated.