Areas of Namadgi National Park, Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, the Murrumbidgee River Corridor and Molonglo River Reserve will be closed for the safety of visitors from Thursday 8 May to Friday 30 May 2025 during operations for the Thermal Assisted Aerial Control program.
Some adjacent forestry land will also be closed. These closures will be staged during the operational period so not all areas are closed at the same time.
Executive Branch Manager, ACT Parks and Conservation Service, Michaela Watts said these closures are for the public’s safety while the ACT Government conducts the annual program to remove vertebrate pest species from key conservation areas, water catchments and semi urban areas in the territory.
“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,” said Ms Watts.
“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.
“Aerial shooting is the most effective and humane method of control available for large feral animals. 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,” Ms Watts said.
Specific closure dates are detailed 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
The Australian Alps walking track will be closed from the Mt Tennant summit to the NSW border in Murrays Gap from Friday 16 May to Tuesday 27 May. The Mt Tennent Summit Track from the Namadgi Visitor Centre will remain open throughout the 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.
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.
In 2024, a total of 284 feral pigs, 357 feral deer and 119 feral goats and 7 feral horses were controlled across Namadgi National Park, the Murrumbidgee River Corridor, Molonglo River Reserve and Googong.
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