More road closures - Brindabella (ACT)

Submitted: Monday, Aug 27, 2007 at 13:49

ThreadID: 49061 Views:3983 Replies:2 FollowUps:6

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Brindabella National Park

Close to Canberra, this trek covers an area riddled with steep zigzagging climbs and descents accessible only by 4WD. In fine weather, it's a fairly easy drive,

Brindabella National Park

Section: Treks

Close to Canberra, this trek covers an area dominated by steep zigzagging climbs and descents accessible only by 4WD. In fine weather, it's a fairly easy drive,

Roktruk

On Sunday 26th August we were returning through the Brindabellas from Tumut on a local 4WD club outing. We drove from Mt Coree along Pabral road towards the bulldozed wreckage that is now Blundells Flat. To our horror we noted that a track we intended to take and have used for many years which runs from Pabral road and follows Condor Creek back to the Brindabella road is now not only closed, but has been bulldozed beyond any hope of ever being used again, even in an emergency. As far as we were aware, this was the only fire trail east of the Brindabella road which crosses this valley. The environmental vandalism done in the name of 'conservation' is far worse than 10000 4wds could ever do in driving this interesting route. The Condor Creek track now has a new gate.

Is anyone aware of any community consultation with a) emergency servcies, and b) the user groups that frequent this area? Are these closures in line with any Draft Plan of Management?

I am going to raise this issue with the government, relevant user groups and the ACT/NSW 4wd Association. Any reponses will be helpful.

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Reply By: Member -Dodger - Monday, Aug 27, 2007 at 17:24

Monday, Aug 27, 2007 at 17:24

Unfortunately most of the NPWS management advises the 4wd fraternity of closures and then ticks the box for consultation.

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Cheers Dodg.

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Follow Up By: Member - Howard (ACT) - Monday, Aug 27, 2007 at 20:20

Monday, Aug 27, 2007 at 20:20

I think you will find that this road is actually under ACT forestry control not NPWS. ACT forests have shut a few tracks of late mostly anyhing that was near a watercourse or ran into a watercourse.This track is actually on the western side of brindabella road.

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Follow Up By: Roktruk - Monday, Aug 27, 2007 at 23:11

Monday, Aug 27, 2007 at 23:11

Yup, ACT forests, and i suppose it's technically north east of the Brindy road. It runs almost along the border and (used to) join the edge of Brindabella NP.

So how does a formed track, with a handful of vehicles using it each week, damage a watercourse any more than a full on forestry operation in the same area?

ACT Forests do strange things. On Blue Range trail is a gate, again right on the border. You can drive to it on the south (ACT) side. you can drive to from the North (NSW on Genges trail) - but can you go through it????

Everything south and west beyond the Cotter river has been gated off for years, in fact over 50% of the ACT now has absolutely no vehicle access and it's getting worse.

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Follow Up By: Mr Fawlty - Wednesday, Aug 29, 2007 at 16:05

Wednesday, Aug 29, 2007 at 16:05

Maybe a trip to a locksmith for some lock picks will solve the problem......

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Follow Up By: Roktruk - Wednesday, Aug 29, 2007 at 16:24

Wednesday, Aug 29, 2007 at 16:24

Mate, it's beyond that. the track has been 'closed' by bulldozing earth mounds 10-12 feet high, with very large trees dropped on top, and ditches dug in between. Looking down the track, there was at least 4 of these visible. They're apparently worried about vehicles stirring up run-off into the creek and then into the water table - this vandalism is a thousand times worse than any 4wd could ever do - and it's in an active logging area anyway!

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Follow Up By: Mr Fawlty - Thursday, Aug 30, 2007 at 16:49

Thursday, Aug 30, 2007 at 16:49

Yes Mr Nohope is into "community vandalism" in a big way....One has to wonder about the ACT Govt's priorities, total confusion reigns, they do everything in their power to raise revenue and make themselves unpopular yet always seem to side to get the "green" vote. Look at the total fiasco over Hospital Parking, they wasted millions on that and all that is really required is to put a time limit that precludes the "workers" who park for free all day at the Hospital then walk to Woden to work...Or simply have a person who "validates ypour ticket if you park at the Hospital for genuine reasons.

I'm glad I am on holiday at Emerald beach....

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Follow Up By: Mr Fawlty - Thursday, Aug 30, 2007 at 16:49

Thursday, Aug 30, 2007 at 16:49

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Reply By: Ted (Cairns) - Tuesday, Aug 28, 2007 at 10:51

Tuesday, Aug 28, 2007 at 10:51

The local forests here have signs stating "No Vehicle Access - This is a fauna sanctuary" Every few years they replace them with "No Vehicle Access - This is a harvesting zone" Then they put the old signs back. Go figure... Luckily there usually are no gates...

AnswerID: 259205