PRESENTACIÓN DE RESULTADOS

Secondary corridors link primary corridors with other significant ecological resources. These corridors are smaller in size, typically exhibit lower levels of species diversity or habitat structural diversity, yet contribute significantly to ecological function, habitat provision or fauna movement through the campus.

The contribution these corridors make to the ecologically sustainable development of the campus will be realised as the operational efficiencies derived from the ecosystem services are documented. This can be seen, for example, in the capacity for landscapes to mitigate solar heat gain and thereby reduce energy consumption within adjacent buildings. Similarly, outdoor areas can be sheltered using appropriate vegetation to extend recreational spaces without incurring additional energy consumption.

Table 16 Recommended Goals for Secondary Corridors (Links) Recommended Goals for Secondary Corridors (Links)

 Retain as integral components of the landscape and biodiversity.

 Provision of ecological services, such as enhanced site drainage and shade to surrounding infrastructure and recreational landscapes.

 Physical connection of primary corridors to source habitats.

 Landscape resilience.

 Recreational amenity.

 Weed and pest control.

Table 17 Compatible Development – Secondary Corridors (Links)

Compatible Development – Secondary Corridors (Links)

 Infrastructure that complements primary corridors, for example viewing platforms.

 Seating and BBQ facilities.

 Low impact outdoor spaces such as outdoor eating areas or classrooms.

5.4.1 Barry Drive Link

Figure 23 Barry Drive is characterised by a row of established eucalypts, which provides a valuable

link for biodiversity and acts as a visual boundary to the campus (Source: ANUgreen)

The Barry Drive Link extends east from Barry Drive at Clunies Ross Street to Toad Hall and is characterised by established eucalypts, including Mealy Stringybark (E.

cinerea) with a sparse Acacia understorey. An area of native grass species is

located to the north and west of the Fulton Muir Building. The trees in the area provide a valuable resource for nesting birds, as well as shade to the Fulton Muir Building, tennis courts and carparks. They also act as a visual boundary to the campus from Barry Drive.

Soil erosion in the area requires some remedial works; introducing native ground cover should serve to minimise irrigation. Drainage should be improved and distinct pathways established to control pedestrian traffic. These initiatives should see a

5.4.2 Sir Roland Wilson Link

Figure 24 Sir Roland Wilson Link (Source: ANUgreen).

The Sir Roland Wilson Link is made up of vegetation from Hales Street and runs parallel from Parkes Way to the Acton Underhill. The link’s core values centre on the landscapes surrounding the Sir Roland Wilson Building, which includes four remnant Apple Box (E. bridgesiana) and a large number of other mature tree species. The area has been sympathetically landscaped with local native grasses to provide an aesthetically pleasing parkscape with enhanced ecological values. While the drainage areas (behind the nearby University Accommodation Services Building) have significant weed infestation, its topography, drainage function and adjacent high-value landscape provide a unique opportunity for rehabilitation works. These works should target appropriate treatment of site drainage in addition to weed removal and habitat enhancement.

The landscape of the Sir Roland Wilson Link provides opportunities for recreation, education and research, centred on the needs of the residents staying in accommodation nearby. The retention of large eucalypts and the prevalence of thick vegetation at the base of the incline have seen an important habitat for bird species created. There are opportunities to improve corridor performance, and also forming a site drainage and infiltration function.

5.4.3 Acton Ridge Axis Link

Figure 25 Acton Ridge Axis Link (Source: ANUgreen).

The Acton Ridge Axis Link stretches along the higher ground from Sullivans Creek up towards Graduate House. The link is characterised by pre-European woodland vegetation that have become camouflaged by younger plantings. The link comprises areas of established eucalypts (notably four remnant species and a significant habitat tree with numerous hollows), some deciduous trees and a prevailing understorey of dense planted Spiny-headed Mat-rush (Lomandra longifloria), various tussock grasses (Poa sp.), Flax Lillies (Dianella sp.) and Native Sarsaparilla

5.4.4 Dickson Road Link

Figure 26 Dickson Road Link (Source: ANUgreen).

Dickson Road Link is characterised by three stands of established eucalyptus trees. The largest is a significant group of 60-70 year old Tasmanian Blue Gums (E.

globules) located within the Plant Culture compound, a second smaller stand behind

John XXIII College and a third stand comprising a segment of the Lindsay Pryor Walk. An outlying stand of native shrub tree plantings are found at Middle Pond on Sullivans Creek. The link derives its value from the age and height of the tree stands, their proximity to each other and their collective value in linking Sullivans Creek to woodland habitat within the CSIRO and ANBG. This is the only location on the Acton campus where Australian Sugar Gliders (Petaurus breviceps) have been recorded18_.

5.4.5 Ward Road Link

Figure 27 Ward Road Link (Source: ANUgreen).

The Ward Road Link extends from Casuarina stands along Sullivans Creek to dense native shrub plantings at Garran Road. The vegetation within this link provides significant nectar resources for native species, such as Ring-tailed Possums (a smaller and less problematic relative of the Common Brush-tailed Possum).