West Majura Grasslands Reserve will be closed from 9 October 2023 for up to six months to allow contractors to conduct safety and remediation works.
ACT Parks and Conservation Service, Executive Branch Manager Stephen Alegria said the closure is to ensure public safety while the area is searched for unexploded ordnance.
“In the mid-20th century, Majura and Ainslie were used as live military firing ranges and as a result there are more than 1,500 anomalies in the grasslands that could be unexploded ordnance,” Mr Alegria said.
“If any are unexploded ordnance are discovered, additional exclusion zones will be applied as necessary until the unexploded ordnance is removed and deemed safe by the Australian Defence Force.
“The ACT Government has engaged Milsearch Pty Ltd who are qualified and highly experienced to undertake the safety and remediation works at the reserve.
“As well as prioritising public safety, this work will allow ACT Parks and Conservation Service staff and contractors to safely conduct the maintenance and restoration work required to protect threatened grasslands, woodlands and native wildlife in the area.
“For your own safety, please do not enter the grasslands during the closure period and follow all signage and advice from staff in the area. I thank the community in advance for their patience while this work is completed,” said Mr Alegria.
Trespassers on the closed reserve may incur a fine of up to $800 under the Trespass on Territory Land Act 1932. Information about potential trespassing can be reported anonymously to Access Canberra on telephone 13 22 81 or online at accesscanberra.act.gov.au.
