A leisurely stroll through Canberra’s popular Australian National Botanic Gardens this Easter long weekend is off the cards with the Gardens’ forced closure due to COVID-19 extended until 18 June at the earliest.
Parks Australia announced today, Monday 6 April, that recent closures to the Gardens and Booderee, Kakadu and Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Parks have been extended in continuing efforts to safeguard “the health and wellbeing of visitors, staff, and local communities”.
In a media statement, Director of National Parks, Dr James Findlay said: “Our national parks and botanic gardens are treasured places for both locals and visitors alike; however, this is the right decision to make”.
“The decision to enact these extensions has been made in consultation with key stakeholders for each site. We are continuing to work with traditional owners represented by the joint Boards of Management, Central Land Council, Northern Land Councils, and the Wreck Bay Aboriginal Community Council, to make choices for the good of our communities,” he said.
“We will continue to monitor the advice of medical authorities and the government. Australia is working hard to protect its people, and the situation is changing on a daily basis. We will keep visitors updated about further changes.”
The extensions will continue as follows:
- Booderee National Park, Jervis Bay Territory, until 30 April
- ANBG, ACT, until 18 June
- Kakadu and Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Parks, NT, until 11.59 pm 18 June in line with measures enacted under the Biosecurity Act.
At Booderee National Park, camping remains cancelled until 30 April, and no forward bookings will be taken until further notice.
Key operational staff will continue with vital work to maintain these significant protected natural and cultural environments. Staff are continuing recommended hygiene practices and practising social distancing while performing their tasks, and cleaning measures have been increased.
Parks Australia will continue to enable access to Booderee, Kakadu and Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park for residents of the park and surrounding Aboriginal communities, essential services, and those working in the community.
For details and updates, visit the Parks Australia website.
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