Released 18/12/2019
ACT Conservator of Flora and Fauna Ian Walker has made the decision to close additional Parks and Conservation managed estate west of the Murrumbidgee River on Total Fire Ban days and close five campgrounds for the rest of the fire season.
"I have made this decision with careful consideration of advice from the Bureau of Meteorology, ACT Parks and Conservation and ACT Emergency Services Agency," Mr Walker said.
"Five of our campgrounds will also be closed until the end of the fire season.
"The ESA Commissioner Georgeina Whelan has also endorsed the ban of naked flames across all of Parks and Conservation Service's managed estate, excluding Cotter Campground, until the end of March 2020.
"The conditions are clear, low rainfall and soil dryness means there is an increased fire risk across the entire Namadgi National Park.
"We understand that this area, which includes Namadgi National Park, is a much-loved recreational destination. We are striking a balance between community safety and wellbeing, and keeping our parks open for everyone to get out and enjoy.
"We are asking the public to be mindful of the conditions and keep up-to-date with fire ratings and Total Fire Bans. If you are in one of these areas when a Total Fire Ban is declared, you will need to exit immediately.
"The ACT Parks and Conservation Service will continue to monitor conditions over the summer."
The Bimberi Wilderness area of Namadgi remains closed at all times until the end of March 2020.
Stay up to date on conditions and advice via the ESA website.
Full closures on Total Fire Ban days will be available via the Environment website.
Additional closures when a Total Fire Ban is declared:
- Namadgi National Park
- 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
- Sherwood Forest
- Hyles Forest
- Ingledene Forest
- Uriarra Forest (west of the River only)
Campgrounds closed during the fire season:
- Woods Campground
- Honeysuckle Campground
- Orroral Campground
- Mt Clear Campground
- Blue Range Campground
- Statement ends -
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