Released 20/12/2019
ACT Conservator of Flora and Fauna, Ian Walker has made the decision to maintain the current closure of Parks and Reserves until 11.59pm 20 January 2020 due to elevated fire dangers.
“A State of Alert was declared last week for the ACT and I have decided to continue the closure of the ACT Parks and reserves west of the Murrumbidgee River, Kowen Forest, the Mulligans Flat Sanctuary and Googong Foreshores until 20 January 2020” Mr Walker said.
“ACT Emergency Services Agency Commissioner Georgeina Whelan has supported this decision.”
The following nature reserves will be closed:
- Namadgi National Park (including the Visitor Centre)
- Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve (including the Visitor Centre)
- Lower Cotter Catchment
- Bullen Range Nature Reserve (west of the River only)
- Stony Creek Nature Reserve (west of the River only)
- Blue Range Forest
- Pierces Creek Forest
- Hyles and Sherwood Forest
- Ingledene Forest
- Uriarra Forest (not including picnic areas at Uriarra Crossing)
- Googong Foreshores
- Kowen Forest
- Lower Molonglo River Corridor
- Molonglo Gorge Nature Reserve
- Mulligans Flat Sanctuary including Goorooyarroo Nature Reserve
- Centenary Trail between Goorooyarroo Nature Reserve and Hall.
There is also a ban of naked flames across all of ACT Parks and Conservation Service’s managed estate, excluding Cotter Campground, until the end of March 2020.
Five campgrounds remain closed for the entire fire season. These are:
- Woods Campground
- Honeysuckle Campground
- Orroral Campground
- Mt Clear Campground
- Blue Range Campground.
Additionally, the following roads in northern Namadgi National Park are closed for the entire fire season:
- Old Mill Road
- Warks Road
- Blundells Creek Road
- Mile High Road
Swimming areas at the Cotter and along the Murrumbidgee River such as Kambah Pool, Pine Island, Point Hut and Uriarra Crossing will be opened. The Cotter Campground will also be opened.
In an effort to accommodate recreational users, the Canberra Nature Park (other than Mulligans Flat and Goorooyarroo Nature Reserves) and all pine forest areas (other than Kowen Forest) will remain open to the public.
Electric barbeques provided at the Cotter, Casuarina Sands, Pine Island and in Canberra’s urban parks will be available, however all gas barbeques will be turned off.
Stay up to date on conditions and advice via the ESA website: https://esa.act.gov.au//
For more information contact Access Canberra on 13 22 81.
- Statement ends -
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