North Queensland national parks and camping areas closed

As part of preparations for Cyclone Ita, North Queensland national parks and reserves have been closed for the safety of visitors and staff.

National Parks Minister Steve Dickson said the closure would affect all camp grounds and day use areas from Townsville to Cape York, including the Tablelands and the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area, and coastal islands such as Hinchinbrook Island.

“Cyclone Ita is an intense and powerful cyclone, potentially the strongest since Cyclone Yasi in 2011,” Mr Dickson said.

“The safety of our visitors and staff is our number one priority. We ask those currently in national parks to work with us and follow the directions of our park rangers.

“With severe winds and flooding rain predicted, there is a very high risk from falling trees and roads being flooded or blocked.”

Notices are being erected at the camping areas, information about the closures will be on the Department’s website www.nprsr.qld.gov.au and all commercial operators are also being informed of the decision.

Mr Dickson said the impact of the cyclone on North Queensland’s national parks was not likely to be fully known until later next week.

“Depending on the damage caused by Cyclone Ita, it may take weeks or even months for our rangers to restore access to return our facilities to the high quality standard visitors expect,” he said.

“We will be doing everything we can to re-open as soon as possible, but I encourage people to visit the parks website before venturing off in the coming weeks.”

Campers will be informed how to apply for a refund or camping credit through the PARKSQ booking system.

Campers can also contact 137468 (13 QGOV) to organise their refund. Rangers will also endeavour to explain the refund process to visitors as they help them to leave.

[ENDS] 10 April 2014

Contact: Michelle Buckworth 0418 433 647