The closures are part of an “ongoing control” program to manage pest species within the ACT. Photo: EPSDD.
Several parks and reserves across the ACT will be temporarily closed for an animal control program targeting pest species.
In the Thermal Assisted Aerial Control program, vertebrate pest species are culled from key conservation areas, water catchments and semi-urban areas in the ACT.
It means parts of Namadgi National Park, Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, the Murrumbidgee River Corridor and Molonglo River Reserve, along with some adjacent land, will be closed in May.
The closures will be staggered over several weeks.
ACT Parks and Conservation Service’s executive branch manager Michaela Watts said the closures are put in place for the public’s safety while the ACT Government carries out the annual program.
“Vertebrate pest species such as pigs and deer can threaten the native ecosystems and habitats of threatened species in the ACT’s parks and reserves,” she said.
“This program has been running in the ACT since 2021 and focuses on reducing the impact these vertebrate pest species have on our natural environment. Last year we expanded to include areas of rural properties adjacent to our conservation areas.
“Feral pigs and deer are established in many areas of the ACT, and ongoing control is required to reduce the impact of these animals.”
Ms Watts said the program was the best option to manage the animals’ populations.
“Aerial shooting is the most effective and humane method of control available for large feral animals,” she said.
“Thermal imaging cameras are used to detect and target animals, increasing the effectiveness and animal welfare outcomes.
“Extensive safety precautions will be in place, including buffer zones, signage and sweeps prior to all operations. The community should also be aware that aircraft may be operating within the closed areas.”
Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve is one of the places being closed as part of the pest program targeting feral deer, pigs and goats. Photo: Region.
The specific closure dates are below:
- Bullen Range Nature Reserve: 8 May – 18 May
- Gigerline Nature Reserve: 8 May – 18 May
- Rob Roy Nature Reserve (South): 8 May – 18 May
- Stony Creek Nature Reserve 8 May – 16 May
- Molonglo River Reserve: 12 May – 16 May
- Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve: 15 May – 16 May
- Namadgi National Park (West): 16 May – 27 May
- Namadgi National Park (Naas – East): 19 May – 28 May
- Namadgi National Park (North): 19 May – 28 May
- Lower Cotter Catchment: 19 May – 28 May
- Googong Foreshore: 26 May – 29 May.
Also, the Australian Alps walking track will be closed from the Mt Tennent summit to the NSW border in Murrays Gap from 16 to 27 May.
The Mt Tennent Summit Track from the Namadgi Visitor Centre will remain open throughout the control program.
The Murrumbidgee Discovery trail will be closed from Pine Island to Casuarina Sands, which includes a section of the Centenary trail between Kambah Pool and Pine Island, during this period.
In 2024, the program resulted in the killing of 284 feral pigs, 357 feral deer, 119 feral goats, and seven feral horses from populations in Namadgi National Park, the Murrumbidgee River Corridor, Molonglo River Reserve, and Googong.
The ACT Government’s approach to invasive species management prioritises animal welfare. All control activities are undertaken in accordance with best practice and humane control of feral animals.
For more information on closures or to find out about parks and reserves in your area, visit ACT Parks.
