🔥 Werrikimbe Park: Burn, Road Cautions & Dual Bait Programs

Visitors to Werrikimbe National Park, a popular natural attraction for Wauchope locals and tourists, are advised of a new hazard reduction burn, ongoing road access limitations, and two distinct baiting programs currently underway.

Planned Hazard Reduction Burn

A hazard reduction burn, dubbed 'Cedar Creek Stage 1 HR', is scheduled to commence in Werrikimbe National Park from 15 September 2025. Park users are urged to refer to the Rural Fire Service for the latest information and to strictly avoid any closed areas or zones affected by fire. Non-compliance carries penalties. If an unattended fire is spotted, contact Triple Zero (000) immediately.

Road Conditions After Adverse Weather

Recent adverse weather has significantly impacted several access roads into Werrikimbe National Park. While some sections are now open, they remain accessible only by 4WD vehicles. Key updates include:

• Hastings Forest Way: Open with caution, 4WD only.
• Racecourse Road: Open with caution, 4WD only.
• Cockerawombeeba Road: Closed between Forbes Road and North Plateau Road.
• Forbes Road: Open with caution, 4WD only.
• Rimau Road: Closed.

Thankfully, Brushy Mountain Campground and Plateau Beech Campground remain open for visitors. Park authorities stress the importance of exercising extreme caution, particularly when navigating waterway crossings like the Forbes River crossing on Racecourse Road, and to check depths before proceeding. For further road information, contact the Port Macquarie NPWS office on (02) 6588 5555.

Dual 1080 Baiting Programs Underway

The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is currently conducting two separate 1080 (sodium fluoroacetate) poison baiting programs in and around Werrikimbe National Park to control wild dog and fox populations. These programs aim to minimise predator impacts on native wildlife, especially threatened species, and to protect neighbouring livestock.

• Ongoing Program (8 June 2025 to 8 December 2025): This aerial and ground baiting program is active across the Hastings Macleay Area, which includes Werrikimbe NP, Willi Willi NP, and Mount Seaview NR.
• Aerial Program (15 September 2025 to 3 October 2025): A more specific aerial baiting program is also running, covering several reserves in the New England Area, including Werrikimbe National Park, Mummel Gulf National Park, Cottan Bimbang National Park, and others.

Signs will be prominently displayed at entry points to all baiting locations. A critical warning is issued for pet owners: domestic pets are not permitted in NSW National Parks managed lands, and 1080 is lethal to cats and dogs. Pets and working dogs must be restrained or muzzled if in the vicinity of these areas and must not enter baiting locations. In the unfortunate event of accidental poisoning, immediate veterinary assistance is crucial. For more details on the baiting programs, contact the Hastings Macleay Area NPWS office on (02) 6561 6700.