National parks in rapid recovery after Cyclone Ita

The majority of national parks in northern and central Queensland, which were closed because of Tropical Cyclone Ita have now been reopened.

National Parks Minister Steve Dickson said 151 of the 223 national parks and other protected areas closed by the cyclone had now been declared safe.

“In most cases we have been very lucky with minimal damage from the cyclone,” Mr Dickson said.

“This is a huge relief ahead of the Easter holiday season for both the public and local tourism operators in regional Queensland.”

Mr Dickson said only 72 national parks remained closed while 12 of the reopened parks still had access partially limited.

“We have rangers already on the ground and the clean-up work is well underway, but these areas can only be reopened once they are satisfied that it is safe to do so,” he said.

“In many areas we are yet to assess the full extent of the damage, but we will work to ensure they are open as soon as safely possible.”

The situation is changing rapidly, so check Park Alerts www.nprsr.qld.gov.au for the latest information.

Northern Region

Rangers are prioritising the most popular areas to get them reopened to visitors as soon as possible. So far 88 protected areas have been reopened across the region and work is continuing as quickly as possible. Cape Tribulation Beach Road will be open this afternoon and Noah’s Beach Road is expected to reopen by Thursday evening, in time for Easter commercial tours.

Smithfield Regional Park has been checked and repairs are well underway on the mountain bike track to make sure it is ready for next week’s World Championship event.

The Daintree and Ingham areas were the hardest hit and all available staff are working hard on the recovery effort.

It’s important that people remember that if it’s flooded forget it, and this applies to swimming as well as driving. Many national park creeks and rivers can be deceiving as they run clear but have very strong currents which require caution and most will be above normal flows.

Great Barrier Reef

Assessments have been completed at the most popular island visitor sites between Cairns and Whitsunday and only minimal damage has been reported. All island national parks have reopened, with the exception of Lizard Island, and rangers are now clearing important camping areas in readiness for the Easter weekend.

Central Queensland

Only six national parks were closed due to the cyclone and all have now been reopened. Access is still restricted to the Whitsunday Great Walk at Conway National Park due to local flooded creeks.

Fraser Coast

All weather warnings have been cancelled for the Fraser Coast and current conditions are sunny with mild temperatures. All camping areas are open. There is some mild erosion along the eastern beaches. Please drive inland tracks with care as large branches may have fallen.

[ENDS] 16 April 2014

Media Contact: Michelle Buckworth 0418 433 647