Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) has reopened protected areas in central and north Queensland as damage assessments continue following Tropical Cyclone Jasper.
QPWS is mobilising resources from across the state to reopen parks and begin recovery works as soon as possible ahead of the busy Christmas period, to support the surrounding communities and Far North Queensland’s tourism industry.
A total of 14 national parks, Great Barrier Reef Islands and state forests between Mackay and Townsville have been declared safe for the public following assessments and clean-up operations led by rangers.
Despite heavy rainfall continuing across North and Far North Queensland, rangers are working where it is safe to do so, to remove fallen trees and flood debris, and inspect damage to visitor facilities including walking tracks, boardwalks and toilets.
A rapid cyclone damage assessment team will be sent to the Daintree via helicopter once it is safe to fly, to begin recovery works in protected areas more directly impacted by the cyclone and flooding.
With 138 parks still closed, visitors are reminded to check before heading to a protected area.
Never enter closed areas and always follow signage or directions from rangers.
Stay out of flood waters as they can contain wildlife including snakes, crocodiles, as well as other contaminants and debris.
