The ACT Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate has announced the closure of a number of ACT nature reserves due to the total fire ban declaration that will remain in effect until midnight on Friday (31 January).
The closures include: Kowen Forest; Mulligans Flat Sanctuary including Goorooyarroo Nature Reserve; Centenary Trail between Goorooyarroo Nature Reserve and Hall; Gigerline Nature Reserve; Rob Roy Nature Reserve; 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; Lower Molonglo River Corridor; Molonglo Gorge Nature Reserve.
The Directorate said there was also a ban on naked flames across all ACT Parks and Conservation Service-managed estate, excluding Cotter Campground, until the end of March 2020.
It said swimming areas at the Cotter and along the Murrumbidgee River such as Kambah Pool, Pine Island, Point Hut and Uriarra Crossing would remain open.
The Directorate said Canberra Nature Park – excluding Mulligans Flat, Gooroovarroo and Rob Roy Nature reserves – would remain open to the public during early mornings hours but visitors should leave these areas no later than 10am.
It said electric barbecues provided at the Cotter, Casuarina Sands, Pine Island and in Canberra’s urban parks would be available, however gas barbecues had been turned off.
To check fire ban declarations, visit the ACT Emergency Services Agency website via this PS News link.
