The popular Gibraltar Falls precinct is to remain closed until further notice following two deaths in the area in seven days.
ACT Conservator of Flora and Fauna, Bren Burkevics said the closure would continue until a detailed safety review was completed.
“Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the family and friends of the young man that died this past weekend,” Mr Burkevics said.
“This tragic incident is a sad and unfortunate reminder of the risks that exist in Canberra’s wonderful outdoors and the need for visitors to not put themselves in unnecessary danger,” he said.
“The safety review is underway and is expected to take several weeks.”
Mr Burkevics said he attended Gibraltar Falls with rangers from the ACT Parks and Conservation Service to inspect the visitor facilities including warning signs, designated walking tracks, guardrails and viewing platforms and identify opportunities to further strengthen the safety measures already in place.
“I acknowledge and thank all Canberrans, the police and emergency services, and rangers from the Parks and Conservation Service that helped the deceased man following his accident.”
Issuing a statement on the most recent incident, ACT Policing said it received a report on 18 February that the 22-year-old man had fallen from Gibraltar Falls and could not be located.
“Police from Tuggeranong Station, ACT Ambulance Service paramedics, ACT Fire & Rescue members and the Toll Rescue Helicopter were dispatched to the location,” Police said.
“About 6.05pm the man was located unconscious in the water and was unable to be revived.”
“This is the second death in this area in seven days,” they said.
The Police urged anyone who witnessed the incident, and had not already spoken to police, to contact ACT Policing on 131 444.
