The State of Alert for Canberra’s rural and remote areas has been lifted following recent favourable weather conditions.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Mick Gentleman (pictured, right) said the decision was taken following a “challenging month” for Canberra.
“We have endured a number of extreme weather events including record breaking heat and destructive storms, as well as the risk of bushfire damage from both the Beard fire and the Orroral Valley fire,” Mr Gentleman said.
“With the State of Alert now lifted, the community can look forward to a greater sense of normality.”
He said a clearer picture was now forming of the impact of the “summer of disasters”.
“The impact of extended periods of poor air quality, as well as the travel ban from China, will be felt by many local businesses and organisations for some time.”
He said that addressing the ecological impact of the Orroral Valley fire, which has burnt through around 80 per cent of the Namadgi National Park, would also be a priority in the months ahead.
“There is a growing list of lessons learned and the lower risk means we can start to take stock of the damage, particularly in our precious Namadgi National Park.”
“Rapid response teams are being deployed and will report back to Government a clearer picture of the damage to ecology, heritage and parks assets like paths and signs,” Mr Gentleman said.
