🚧 Werrikimbe Park Alerts: 1080 Baiting & Road Closures

Wauchope residents and visitors planning trips to Werrikimbe National Park are advised to be aware of significant operational changes and access restrictions. The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has announced upcoming aerial and ground baiting programs, alongside ongoing road access challenges due to recent adverse weather.

An extensive 1080 (sodium fluoroacetate) baiting program is scheduled to run from June 8, 2025, through to December 8, 2025. This initiative targets wild dogs and foxes within the Hastings Macleay Area, which includes Werrikimbe National Park, among other reserves. The program aims to protect local wildlife, especially threatened species, and minimise the impact of wild dogs on neighbouring livestock. Visitors are reminded that domestic pets are not permitted in national parks, and pet owners should be aware that 1080 is lethal to cats and dogs. Signs will be clearly displayed at baiting locations.

Furthermore, access roads into Werrikimbe National Park continue to be affected by severe weather. Several routes are now only accessible by 4WD vehicles due to damage. Hastings Forest Way, Racecourse Road, and Forbes Road are currently open but require caution and a 4WD. However, Cockerawombeeba Road (between Forbes Road and North Plateau Road) and Rimau Road remain closed until further notice. Despite the road challenges, both Brushy Mountain Campground and Plateau Beech Campground are open, with the latter accessible via Hastings Forest Way. Visitors are urged to exercise extreme caution, particularly when crossing waterways like the Forbes River on Racecourse Road, and to check conditions before heading out.