"a rare orchid... standing in the way of a state government project to drought-proof Sydney.
After a request from the out-going federal Environment Minister, Ian Campbell, NSW has referred a groundwater project to Canberra for assessment under federal environment laws. If the development - which could deliver as much as 45 billion litres of water over three years from Kangaloon aquifer in the Southern Highlands - is likely to upset any threatened species or ecological communities, or disturb a migratory species, the Commonwealth can call a halt. ... plants and animals the Federal Government is concerned about this time... The Wingecarribee leek orchid [Prasophyllum fuscum R.Br.] is listed as endangered by both governments and is only found in the Wingecarribee Swamp in the Southern Highlands" article URL : http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/a-bird-and-an-orchid-stand-in-the-way-of-aquifer-project/2007/01/25/1169594430003.html *********** Regards, VB _______________________________________________ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) orchids@orchidguide.com http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com