21 November 2002

Banks Peninsula Conservation Trust

Press Release

Environment Minister launches Conservation Trust History will be made when the Banks Peninsula Conservation Trust (BPCT) celebrates its first project with an official launch by Hon Marian Hobbs, Minister for the Environment on Monday 25 November 2002.

The launch is to be held at a rocky outcrop known as 'The Monument', a prominent feature on the Banks Peninsula landscape and the site of significant indigenous vegetation, which the BPCT is working towards covenanting.

MP David Carter, Mayor of Banks Peninsula Bob Parker, Federated Farmers president Tom Lambie and members of the Banks Peninsula community will also attend the launch of the Trust.

Established in 2001, the Banks Peninsula Conservation Trust aims to promote the importance of biodiversity, conservation and sustainable land management ideas and raise awareness of what is special and unique about the Banks Peninsula.

Owners of 'The Monument' Neil and Jill Blunden comment 'We are delighted to be involved with the Banks Peninsula Conservation Trust. By working towards the placement of a covenant on 'The Monument' we will ensure that it is protected and recognised as an important part of the Banks Peninsula.'

A Transpower Landcare Trust grant towards extending the fencing of the site has protected the area in preparation for the placing of a covenant. The Blundens and the BPCT are working towards the placing of the covenant, which will protect a unique Banks Peninsula landscape feature and its special rare and endemic botanical ecosystems.

The trust currently has a further seven areas in negotiation to covenant, and with sufficient funding support will be able to covenant up to 10 areas per year. "The Monument" project marks an important part in the history of the Banks Peninsula Conservation Trust and signifies the beginning of what will be the first of many successes.

ENDS

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