Water resources include the water in rivers, streams and ponds – the water that ACT residents use, the water that flows down the Murrumbidgee River to other consumers and the water that supports biodiversity.

Status: Although water quality has varied over time and across the ACT as land-use and weather have changed, the ACT has a minimal impact on water quality in the Murrumbidgee. Land planning and management influence transport and delivery of pollutants into the main drainage system. Elevated salt loads are derived from salts excreted from the human population rather than from degraded catchment condition. Levels of blue-green algae are often above safe levels. Drought, the bushfires of 2001 and 2003, large storms and accidental discharge of sewage also compromise water safety.

Under current climatic conditions, the amount of water available is also an issue both for direct human use and environmental flows.

Management: Challenges include securing enough water for all consumers (rural, urban and environment), ensuring that it is of an appropriate quality and that it is used efficiently.

Diversity of life (plants, animals and other organisms) is essential to maintain a healthy natural environment. Keeping the variety of species is important, but so too is keeping a diversity of the ecosystems that provide their homes.

Status: Two ecological communities and 17 species are endangered in the ACT. A further 14 species are vulnerable and others continue to be threatened.

Management: Challenges include the need to maintain the number and variability of existing species so that they are more able to cope in times of stress; and the need to reduce threats (e.g. from weeds, development, fire).

Sugar glider.

Photo Environment ACT

Greenfield urban expansion.

Photo Sarah Ryan