Those who read the August newsletter will be aware, but there is some more information here.

Late in Jul an alarm was raised that the ACT Govt was looking to lock permanently the southern gate to the Googong foreshores (down near London Bridge and Burra).  There was a quick response from the angling community, especially ACTFF, and through them the Environment Department was called to explain the situation on the ABC Local Radio (666) Drive program on Wed 26 Jul. Go to:

http://www.abc.net.au/radio/canberra/programs/drive/drive/8725826

The interview with Matt Kendall was at 4:07PM but the recording starts at 3:00PM. If you fast forward about a third of the way through you’ll hear it.  The key outcome is that the Department is looking to install an automatically locking gate in lieu of sending rangers down to lock the gate each evening

The key complaint is the opaque manner that this had been considered by the Environment Department. From here on our energies should be focussed on ensuring the Govt consults with the public as the performance of the gate is examined – probably through their Recreational User Group. Also to ensure irresponsible damage to the gate doesn’t give the Govt an excuse to take the option to permanently lock the gate in the future.

Readers might consider signing a petition started by Andrew Wall MLA.