Boodjamulla National Park will remain temporarily closed until at least 31 December 2023 due to the impacts of severe flooding in March this year.
Principal Ranger and Co-Chair of the Boodjamulla Cooperative Management Council (CMC) David Woods said the unprecedented flood levels severely impacted on the park.
“Ranger residences, the visitor centre, building services, the Lawn Hill Gorge and Miyumba camping areas, walking tracks and trails were flooded, and the roads leading to and within the national park suffered damage,” Mr Woods said.
“More than 1.3m of rain was dumped in the region in the first quarter of the year, and that included 553mm of rain on 8-9 March – which is almost 15 times the median rainfall for the entire month of March.
“In late May, the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service and engineers conducted a site inspection of accessible parts of the flood-impacted national park.
“We assessed the level of structural damage to park assets and initiated a flood study that will inform the ensuing reconstruction project.
“Floodwaters went through much of the park’s infrastructure, including our storage areas, resulting in the loss of equipment and vehicles.
“The interior of the park office and all staff residences except for one were submerged by floodwater and the interpretive hub near the main office was destroyed by fast flowing water and debris.
“Riparian vegetation has been stripped from the banks of Lawn Hill Creek, and large boulders above Indarri Falls require a geotechnical assessment to determine the safety risks.
“The impact to Waanyi cultural heritage on the park is still being assessed by the Waanyi Elders.
“We understand this will be disappointing for many people, but our number one priority is the safety and wellbeing of our staff and visitors to the national park.
“The CMC is also looking at building new opportunities that will improve the visitor experience, create awareness of Waanyi culture, and strengthen the existing partnership between Waanyi People and the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service.
“We thank the public and the tour group operators for their understanding during the temporary closure.”
To refund camping bookings please call 13QGOV (13 74 68) or visit the Queensland National Parks booking Service.
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