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Introduction

The National Parks Association of the ACT turns 50

In 1960 a small group of concerned Canberra citizens foresaw the need to set aside a tract of land in the Mount Kelly/Mount Gudgenby area of the ACT as a refuge for people away from urbanisation and for the conservation of its natural values.   Although most of the land comprised timbered Crown Land, realisation of the idea was not without complications: many of the low-land valleys were still being run as rural enterprises, NASA would eventually operate two tracking stations within the region and the Commonwealth Government retained control of the Cotter River catchment – the source of Canberra’s water.

Not to be deterred, these Canberrans formed the National Parks Association with the aim of establishing a National Park for the National Capital. Some 24 years and much lobbying later, Namadgi National Park was gazetted over an area that far exceeded the NPA ACT’s original goal.  During the last quarter century, NPA ACT has continued its involvement in the affairs of Namadgi through a range of activities including contributing to policy development, coordinating work parties and conducting regular walks within the park.

Throughout 2010 NPA ACT will be undertaking a range of activities to mark its 50th year.  These will include: 
 

• On 1 March 2010 a special celebratory meeting.
• On 21 March a members’ picnic at the Namadgi Vistors’ Centre. 
• On 7 and 8 May a symposium at the CSIRO Discovery Centre with the theme ‘National Parks – Can They Take the Heat?’
• From May to September a series of exhibitions of members’ photographs at various locations around Canberra.
• Sale of 50th Anniversary commemorative wines.