Council road plan raises concerns over protected wildlife sanctuary
By Chloe · Published 31 Oct 2026 · Updated 31 Oct 2026
Queanbeyan, NSW
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Council road plan raises concerns over protected wildlife sanctuary - Queanbeyan, NSW
Smart summary
Conservation groups and landowners are opposing a proposed road through a protected sanctuary near Canberra, warning it could damage habitat for threatened native wildlife.
A proposed road extension near Canberra has sparked concern among conservation groups and local landowners because the preferred route would pass through the Wandiyali-Environa Wildlife Sanctuary, an area recognised for its native plants and wildlife.
The Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council has selected a route known as Option Five as its preferred approach for improving road connections between the growing Googong and Jerrabomberra communities and the wider Canberra region. The decision follows years of discussion about transport infrastructure and the different routes that could be considered.
The sanctuary has developed into an important ecological area since it was established nearly a decade ago. It contains box-gum grassy woodland and provides habitat for native species, including gang-gang cockatoos and pink-tailed worm-lizards. A koala was also sighted in the area earlier in 2026, an uncommon occurrence in the ACT region.
Environmental representatives say the sanctuary continues to reveal important biodiversity. They point to sightings of rare plants and animals as evidence that the protected land provides valuable habitat. Conservation workers and community members have also established activities that connect local residents and students with the natural environment.
Carolyn Larkham, the sanctuary's environmental coordinator and a landowner, has criticised the council's preferred route. She believes other possible routes should receive greater consideration and is concerned that construction could affect the sanctuary's ecological value.
The Conservation Council ACT has also raised concerns. Its biodiversity working group chair, Matt Whitting, acknowledged the need to improve transport connections for people living in the growing residential areas. However, he warned that damaging a legally protected conservation area could undermine years of environmental work.
The council has defended its selection. Mayor Kenrick Winchester said the preferred route was considered the only viable option after reviewing the available alternatives. He said the council wanted to avoid affecting existing homes and residential properties, which could require compulsory property acquisitions.
Although the preferred route is more expensive than some alternatives, a consultant's assessment found it had a higher cost-benefit ratio. The council intends to carry out further studies and present its case to the New South Wales environment minister.
The proposal is not yet a final construction approval. The state government is not expected to make a decision until at least the middle of 2027.
The debate highlights the challenge of balancing population growth, road access and environmental protection. Residents need reliable transport connections, but conservation groups argue that protected habitats should not be sacrificed without careful assessment of alternatives and long-term consequences.
For now, the road proposal remains under consideration, with further studies and government assessment still ahead.
CouncilSanctuaryConservationPreferredRoad
A proposed road extension near Canberra has sparked concern among conservation groups and local landowners because the preferred route would pass through the Wandiyali-Environa Wildlife Sanctuary, an area recognised for its native plants and wildlife.
The Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council has selected a route known as Option Five as its preferred approach for improving road connections between the growing Googong and Jerrabomberra communities and the wider Canberra region. The decision follows years of discussion about transport infrastructure and the different routes that could be considered.
The sanctuary has developed into an important ecological area since it was established nearly a decade ago. It contains box-gum grassy woodland and provides habitat for native species, including gang-gang cockatoos and pink-tailed worm-lizards. A koala was also sighted in the area earlier in 2026, an uncommon occurrence in the ACT region.
Environmental representatives say the sanctuary continues to reveal important biodiversity. They point to sightings of rare plants and animals as evidence that the protected land provides valuable habitat. Conservation workers and community members have also established activities that connect local residents and students with the natural environment.
Carolyn Larkham, the sanctuary's environmental coordinator and a landowner, has criticised the council's preferred route. She believes other possible routes should receive greater consideration and is concerned that construction could affect the sanctuary's ecological value.
The Conservation Council ACT has also raised concerns. Its biodiversity working group chair, Matt Whitting, acknowledged the need to improve transport connections for people living in the growing residential areas. However, he warned that damaging a legally protected conservation area could undermine years of environmental work.
The council has defended its selection. Mayor Kenrick Winchester said the preferred route was considered the only viable option after reviewing the available alternatives. He said the council wanted to avoid affecting existing homes and residential properties, which could require compulsory property acquisitions.
Although the preferred route is more expensive than some alternatives, a consultant's assessment found it had a higher cost-benefit ratio. The council intends to carry out further studies and present its case to the New South Wales environment minister.
The proposal is not yet a final construction approval. The state government is not expected to make a decision until at least the middle of 2027.
The debate highlights the challenge of balancing population growth, road access and environmental protection. Residents need reliable transport connections, but conservation groups argue that protected habitats should not be sacrificed without careful assessment of alternatives and long-term consequences.
For now, the road proposal remains under consideration, with further studies and government assessment still ahead.
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