Bimberi Wilderness closed over the summer

Released 12/12/2019

ACT Conservator of Flora and Fauna Mr Ian Walker has today closed the Bimberi Wilderness due to significant fire risk in remote regions of Namadgi National Park.

The closure will remain in place until the end of March 2020.

"The safety of the ACT community and visitors to the park is paramount. Low rainfall and soil dryness in the Bimberi Wilderness of Namadgi National Park means there is an increased fire risk to people accessing this wilderness area," Mr Walker said.

“The decision to close Bimberi is to minimise fire risk and to make sure no-one is in the area if a fire were to happen. The remoteness of the area and access significantly limits our ability to control fire and respond to people caught in a fire.”

"Assessments made in the area indicate that conditionsare currently drier than they were the last time the decision was made to close the Bimberi Wilderness in December 2002."

"Bimberi Wilderness is a 28,900-hectare area and makes up 27% of Namadgi National Park. It is also a popular destination for many back-country bushwalkers and users of the Australian Alps Walking Track, which is why we must ensure the safety of visitors to the park."

Specific locations impacted:

• The ACT section of the Australian Alps walking track
• Pryors Hut
• Mt Gingera
• Mt Bimberi
• Cotter Hut
• Upper Cotter, Namadgi National Park

Public access to the Bimberi Wilderness area will be closed at:

• Ginini Carpark, Mt Franklin Road
• Stockyard Spur, via Corin Dam Road
• Smokers trail, via Corin Hub
• Cotter Hut road, via Orroral Valley
• Leura gap
• Murray gap
• Yaouk gap

Mr Walker saidsignage of the closure will be placed at all locations impacted.

"Selected roads within Namadgi National Park will also be closed when a total fire ban is declared in the ACT," Mr Walker said.

"Mandatory closures and restricted access during a total fire ban include,Corin Road, Old Mill Road, Warks Road and the Mount Franklin Road at Piccadilly Circus."

The ACT Emergency Services Agency Commissioner is responsible for the declaration of total fire ban event.

For more information on the Bimberi Wilderness closure please contact Access Canberra on 13 22 81 or visit: www.environment.act.gov.au/bimberi-closure

- Statement ends -

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