NEWS

Closures due to Covid19 and Bushfires 2020

The summer bushfires and now Covid19 have lead to the closure of a number of National Parks, Reserves and Camping Areas used by anglers in the Blue Mountains, Central West and across NSW.

Anglers should visit the NPWS website for updates on park closures. I have been advised there will be no access to the remote areas of Kanangra Boyd and Blue Mountains National Park in time for the winter spawning run. These areas are unlikely to open for many months perhaps a year. Six Foot Walking Track corridor is the only section of Kanangra Boyd National Park that is open.

This means you can fish at the campground near the swing bridge which is managed by Crown Lands, however the campground may close soon due to Covid19. Six Foot Track Lodge is closed for four weeks due to Covid19.

Covid19 is having a major impact on access to NPWS facilities. 

A statement from NPWS indicates “NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service has closed campgrounds, visitor centres, high-visitation areas, and historic sites from 26 March 2020, in response to the COVID-19 emergency.

When will National Parks and Campgrounds Reopen?

It is unknown how long areas will remain closed. The Covid19 closures have not fixed time frame. The areas closed should open as soon as it is safe.

It is unlikely NPWS will reopen remote bushfire effected areas of Kanangra Boyd or Blue Mountains National in a rush, as the fire damage is heavy in many areas, including along the rivers in places. 

Following previous fires it has taken up to 24 months for them to reopen all areas. My hope is that the rivers may be able to be accessed via walking tracks within 12 months.

It is not ok to enter closed areas of the National Park to go fishing. Police have prosecuted people who have entered closed areas of National Parks during previous closures. Please allows the bush to recover by respecting the closures.

State Forests

All NSW State Forest Campgrounds will also be closed until further notice due to Covid19. Some forests remain closed following the bushfires.

Local Councils and Crown Land

I have been advised Lithgow Council will in coming days close their campgrounds including those at Lake Wallace and Portland. I am not sure if the lakes will be open to fishing. Please see the media page of the council website for the latest. Closure information should be listed on council website by 30th March. Their email to me states “Due to the Covid-19 Regulations, camping areas at Lake Wallace in Wallerawang and Kremer Park in Portland NSW and all other Council administered assets are closed for camping and recreational purposes”.

At the current time the Six Foot Track and it’s Campground are open, however this and some other Crown Lands managed campsites may close.

It is unlikely Travelling Stock Reserves will be closed due to Covid19.

Please contact Blue Mountains, Oberon and Bathurst Councils directly for advice regarding closures in these council areas. 

Advice for anglers:

If you head out for some fishing or a camping trip during the Covid19 lockdown, please only fish in smalls groups people who are in your immediate contact circle (people who live in your home) and at locations open to the public. 

Try to fish in locations where you will not meet other people and choose areas you are familiar with / are safe places to fish.

Follow the NSW Governments advice on social distancing and hygiene.  

Please avoid taking undue risks, as emergency wards in hospitals and emergency services, may have limited resources to assist you if things go wrong.

Happy fishing and stay safe!