Council joins major biodiversity initiative

At the 30 March Council meeting, Council voted to participate in the Great Eastern Ranges (GER) initiative, to help protect the region’s environment and biodiversity.

The GER was established in 2007 to restore and reconnect healthy habitats across an area stretching from western Victoria, along the Great Divide and Eastern Escarpment, to Far North Queensland.

Blue Mountains Mayor Mark Greenhill said: “Protecting Australia’s biodiversity and our threatened species is a huge priority for this Council.”

“By working with partners along the length of the Great Eastern Ranges, we will be able to help stem the loss of native species and provide natural solutions to climate change,” Cr Greenhill continued.

“Being part of this exciting project gives us the chance to be involved in one of the world's largest connectivity conservation initiatives. 

“By working together, and pooling our collective expertise and knowledge, we can achieve something truly great – securing the future of a unique landscape and the flora and fauna within it.”

The GER comprises a network of voluntary partnerships, involving more than 250 local, regional and national organisations, representing a broad spectrum of natural resource managers and conservation stakeholders, including local governments, Traditional Owners, public land managers, research institutions, businesses and educators, policymakers, and scientists. 

The Blue Mountains Local Government Area represents a critical link in the Great Eastern Ranges connecting the southern and northern sections of the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area; the Cumberland Plains to the Central Tablelands and along the Hawkesbury Nepean River.

Through our established and well-regarded environmental restoration and conservation volunteering programs, Council is well positioned to participate in these regional GER connectivity projects.

Council will be entering into a standard non-binding Memorandum of Understanding with the GER, which means Council will retain discretion to implement initiatives that are within our resourcing capacity, and align with our strategic environmental management objectives. 

Photo: Carrington Park, Blue Mountains National Park (Credit: Ian Brown)