NEW Planning Minister Mick Gentleman has announced two new Draft Variations to the Territory Plan.

“Draft variation 297 is an omnibus variation that primarily includes planning changes recommended for identified areas of high ecological value,” Mick said.

“The ACT Government made the decision to consolidate changes to a number of sites into a single variation to continue to reduce government red tape in the planning sector.”

DV 297 proposes to rezone a number of sites in areas such as Hackett, the Gungaderra and Mulanggari nature reserves; Isaacs Ridge Nature Reserve and the Yarralumla Nursery.

“Draft Variation 319 which proposes to change the current zoning provisions at Kinlyside, Taylor, Horse Park north, Jacka and Throsby – implementing the Gungahlin Strategic Assessment Biodiversity Plan,” he said.

“Areas being protected include threatened species or habitats like Yellow Box–Red Gum Woodland, the Superb Parrot, the Striped Legless Lizard and the Golden Sun Moth.”

The draft variations will be online tomorrow Mick says and the consultation will closed on 29 August.

[Photo of striped legless lizard via Wikimedia]