THE declared State of Emergency for the Jervis Bay Territory (JBT) as part of the ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic has been extended for another 30 days.
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Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Territories, Nola Marino, has extended the declared JBT State of Emergency for a 30-day period from May 5, 2021.
By doing this, the JBT community will continue to be protected and supported during this time, with the health and wellbeing of the community the first priority.
The State of Emergency declaration under the Jervis Bay Territory Emergency Management Ordinance 2015 provides additional powers to emergency services supporting the JBT, to manage risks associated with COVID-19.
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For instance, if necessary, it enables emergency services officers to protect the community by conducting an evacuation or prohibiting people from entering certain areas.
Restrictions on public gatherings, visiting people and self-isolation are managed through public health emergency directions, not the State of Emergency.
As at May 6, there were no known cases of COVID-19 in the JBT.
JBT residents should continue to follow Australian Government and state and territory government advice, including on travel restrictions, health, hygiene, physical distancing and self-isolation.
The federal State of Emergency declaration is separate to any state or territory directions or restrictions put in place through public health directions, including restrictions on accessing the Booderee National Park.
Booderee National Park is open and continues to welcome visitors, while implementing COVID-Safe practices for staff and visitors.
All of Booderee National Park's beautiful beaches and extraordinary sites, including popular spots such as Green Patch, the Botanic Gardens and Murray's Boat Ramp, remain open.
However, travellers should keep up-to-date with where they can travel and which areas have been declared COVID-19 hotspots, as the COVID-19 situation in Australia is continually evolving.
The JBT, including Booderee National Park, is subject to the Public Health Directions currently in place for the Australian Capital Territory.
Please consult this list before travelling to Booderee National Park.
Due to COVID-Safe operating plans, camping will be restricted to a limited number of campsites at Green Patch and Bristol Point to ensure physical distancing.
Cave Beach campsite will remain closed at this time.
Online booking is now available for most dates until June 30.
To ensure physical distancing, some campsites will remain closed and visitors are reminded to stay COVID-Safe while visiting Booderee.
Visitors are encouraged to pre-book their park passes online and have their pass printed and ready to display before entering Booderee National Park.
Parks Australia staff want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable experience at Booderee and ask that you review safety messaging before visiting the park.
For general inquiries contact the Visitor Centre staff via booderee.mail@awe.gov.au (please allow 24 hours for confirmation of receipt). You can also call on 4443 0977 during business hours.
Further information on current directions and other COVID-19 response information can be found at www.regional.gov.au/territories/jervis_bay/community/bulletins/bulletins-2020/index.aspx
For further information, see www.health.gov.au or phone the Coronavirus Health Information Line on 1800 020 080.
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