Best practice urban development and management aims to mimic natural ecological and hydrological processes so that the ecosystem services they provide are minimally disrupted.
This target challenges the ACT to achieve and maintain a leading Australian standard for the health of urban land.
The measurable target
| OUTCOMES | OUTPUTS | ACTIONS |
|---|---|---|
|
Intermediate Achievement of urban soil health at above the average for large Australian cities and preservation of vegetation cover on buffer land (2015) Long-term Maintenance of urban soil health at above the average for large Australian cities (to 2030) |
Establishment of a verifiable trend toward reduced soil erosion and better hydrological functioning across existing and developing urban lands Related documents Environment Protection Act 1997 Environment Protection Regulation 2005 Water Quality Environment Protection Environment Protection Guidelines for |
Foundation Develop methodology for measuring urban land health On-ground Enhance regulation of the management of soils on development sites Develop programs to encourage healthy soil management by urban residents Ensure better land and vegetation management of public urban land |
The intention of this target is to increase the viability of sustainable land management in the ACT. Soils cycle nutrients, hold moisture and are rich in biological diversity. Healthy soils are a fundamental part of the landscape. Key indicators of soil health include soil pH, soil carbon and hydrological connectedness. Inappropriate landuse practices pose the major threat to our soils. Long-term improvement in soil health will depend on matching land capability to land use through a systematic approach.
The measurable target
| OUTCOMES | OUTPUTS | ACTIONS |
|---|---|---|
|
Intermediate 80% of rural land meets the top standard for land health in relation to land capability (2015) Long-term 95% of rural land consistently meets the top standard for land health in relation to land capability (2030) |
Robust method for determining land health in relation to land capability Related plans New and revised land management agreements negotiated with individual leaseholders |
Foundation Develop a robust methodology for determining and reporting soil health in relation to land capability Carry out a soil and land capability survey and classification Quantify the current proportion of rural land that meets the top standard for land health in relation to land capability On-ground Incorporate measures of land health and targets for its improvement into land management agreements Promote options for land managers to restore eroded land Promote LANDSCAN, PROGRAZE and other perennial pasture management programs Evaluate the potential for the increased storage of carbon in ACT soils |