The largest and most popular campground, the Orroral Campground, has been closed for more than three years, with no end in sight due to the failure of the Labor-Greens Government.

The Orroral campground was a place where Canberrans were able to create great camping experiences, and is part of the Australian Alps walking track that extends from the Victorian Alps to Namadgi National Park. Yet this significant campground on a national hiking track track is closed due to the unserviceable bridge on the access road.

Shadow Minister for Transport and Member for Brindabella, Mark Parton, put it to the Labor-Greens Government that it shouldn’t take three years to fix a bridge and asked when will it be fixed.

The Labor Minister for ACT Parks, Mick Gentleman, was unable to answer any question regarding the Orroral Bridge and the campground.

The Coalition Government provided $440,000 to fix the bridge in February 2022 as part of the National Bushfire Recovery Fund (NBRF), Mr Parton said.

“Clearly, after three years of no action, this is not a priority for the Labor and the Greens Government,” Mr Parton said.

“It is embarrassing that funding has been provided and yet the government hasn’t fixed the bridge and can’t even articulate a plan of action.

“It is embarrassing that the Labor and the Greens have no idea when they will get around to repairing the bridge.

“It is embarrassing for the Labor and the Greens lack the passion to open up the Orroral campground for Canberrans to enjoy the bush

It is clear Labor and the Greens have no interest in making Canberra an attraction for the Australian Alps Walking track and have no interest in making Canberra an attractive place to live and visit.

The bridge is recognised as been critical to provide emergency access to the Orroral Valley.

“The Labor and the Greens can’t be taken seriously about providing emergency access in the bush and cannot be trusted to deliver basic services.

“Perhaps this is yet another project where the ACT Government has cut funding and moved it to pay for the tram, just like the other $85.9m road funding”, Mr Parton concluded.