Jervis Bay's Booderee National Park closed until June 8 due to COVID precautions

Parks Australia said the closure extension is to protect the health and safety of visitors, staff and local communities, including the park's Traditional Owners (the Wreck Bay Aboriginal Community).

The park was originally closed on Wednesday (June 2) until Friday (June 4) , but the latest announcement will see Booderee's temporary closure extended until at least 9am on June 8, as a precaution following the NSW COVID-19 Jervis Bay Public Health Alert.

Parks Australia said the move will allow it to consider the results of COVID-19 testing in the Jervis Bay area before opening next week.

NSW Health is advising anyone who stayed at the Green Patch Campground at Booderee National Park from 9pm Wednesday, May 19 to 9am Monday, May 24 to call the NSW Health contact tracing team on 1800 943 553, get tested and self-isolate until you receive further information from NSW Health.

A Parks Australia spokesperson said twice-daily cleaning of the Green Patch Campground amenities at Booderee National Park has been undertaken as part of its COVID-19 safe operating practices.

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The campground has also been operating at 50 per cent capacity to support social distancing.

"While we regret the inconvenience caused by this temporary closure, the wellbeing of our visitors, staff and local communities continues to be our first priority," the spokesperson said.

"Our national park and botanic gardens are treasured places for both locals and visitors alike. Parks Australia is committed to taking appropriate precautionary measures to protect the health of all concerned."

Visitors with camping bookings and pre-booked park passes from Wednesday, June 2 to Tuesday, June 8, 2021 will be refunded.

Jervis Bay Territory, Wreck Bay Community and HMAS Creswell staff and residents will be able to travel through Booderee National Park during this time to reach their homes and workplaces.

Parks Australia will continue to consult with NSW Health in order to respond to the evolving situation. Further updates will be posted here in the news section of the Booderee website.

Meanwhile, the declared State of Emergency for the Jervis Bay Territory (JBT) has also been extended for a 30-day period from June 2, as part of the ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Territories, Nola Marino announced the declared extension and by doing so 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 in the JBT under the Jervis Bay Territory Emergency Management Ordinance 2015 provides powers to key members of the JBT Emergency Management Committee, and Emergency Services supporting the JBT, to deal with public health risks associated with COVID-19.

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