for information. weather-related closures

[sandra henderson <>]

I noted on the TAMS site that in the notice about closures related to the total fire ban, it also says "Namadgi National Park, Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, Googong Foreshores as well as Kowen Forest will remain closed from tomorrow until 7 am Saturday 12 January 2013 in the interests of public safety." and additionally, that they are asking that people visiting Canberra Nature Park and pine forests be out of those areas by 11am (presumably this is only for the fire ban day).

sandra h

Nature reserve and road closures

Released 07/01/2013

Territory and Municipal Services wishes to advise that due to a total fire ban, which is in place tomorrow (Tuesday 8 January 2013), the following nature reserves and roads will be closed:

• Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve (the Visitor Centre will remain open);
• selected roads within Namadgi National Park including Apollo Road, Orroral Road, Old Mill Road, Warks Road, Mount Franklin Road at Piccadilly Circus, and the Corin Dam Road (the Namadgi Visitor Centre will remain open);
• Googong Foreshores;
• Lower Molonglo River Corridor; and
• Mulligans Flat Woodlands Sanctuary.

Note that the Boboyan Road and Brindabella Road remain open to through traffic.

Additionally Namadgi National Park, Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, Googong Foreshores as well as Kowen Forest will remain closed from tomorrow until 7 am Saturday 12 January 2013 in the interests of public safety.

"The Rural Fire Service is working to bring fires started by lightning over the weekend under control in Namadgi National Park. The fires currently present little to no risk to life and property," Daniel Iglesias, Director, ACT Parks and Conservation Service, said today.

"With the very bad fire weather expected in the coming days, closing Namadgi, Tidbinbilla, Googong Foreshores and Kowen Forest will enable staff to concentrate on fire suppression efforts, as well as ensure visitors are out of harm's way should conditions deteriorate."

In an effort to accommodate recreational users, the Canberra Nature Park and all Pine Forest areas (other than Kowen Forest) will remain open to the public during the early morning hours, however users are advised that they should leave these areas no later than 11 am.

Electric barbeques provided at the Cotter, Casuarina Sands, Pine Island and in Canberra's urban parks will be available, however all gas barbeques will be turned off.

For up-to-date Total Fire Ban declarations and more information about how they affect you, visit the ACT Emergency Services Agency website www.esa.act.gov.au, follow @ACT_ESA on Twitter or like ACT Emergency Services Agency on Facebook.