The Hon Kristy McBain MP
Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories
Minister for Emergency Management
The Hon Andrew Leigh MP
Assistant Minister for Productivity, Competition, Charities and Treasury
Member for Fenner
Tara Cheyne MLA
Minister for City and Government Services
Old Well Station Road Upgrade Completed At Nadjung Mada Nature Reserve
29 April 2026
The ACT Government has completed a major upgrade of Old Well Station Road through Nadjung Mada Nature Reserve.
This project marks the final milestone for a program of works delivered by the Parks and Conservation Service for Canberra’s northern grasslands that received $2.1 million from the Albanese Government through the Disaster Ready Fund. This package also included major remediation and restoration works at Jarramlee Nature Reserve and the Budjan Galindgi Nature Reserve, which all provide critical habitat for threatened species.
Jointly funded by the Australian and ACT governments the Building Climate Resilient Visitor Infrastructure project also delivers safer access, stronger emergency management capability and improved protection for nationally significant grassland habitat in Canberra’s north.
The upgraded road now provides a safe, reliable, all‑weather route built to rural roading standards. It supports bushfire response, emergency services and land management operations, while also improving community access for pedestrians and cyclists connecting surrounding neighbourhoods with schools, services and the wider city.
The project strengthens the ACT’s ability to respond to emergencies by ensuring consistent, dependable access through the reserve, particularly during severe weather and bushfire events.
Environmental protection has been central to the design and delivery of the works. Innovative safeguards have been incorporated to protect the vulnerable striped legless lizard (Delma impar), including trialling purpose‑designed rumble grid crossings installed at multiple locations along the road to support safe dispersal and habitat connectivity for the threatened species.
Stormwater infrastructure across Sullivan’s Creek has also been upgraded to better manage heavier rainfall and future storm events. With the planned development of the suburb of Kenny upstream, these improvements will help manage increased runoff and water flows, reducing the risk of erosion and flooding within Nadjung Mada Nature Reserve.
The project was delivered with $218,000 funding from the Albanese Government’s Disaster Ready Fund, supporting disaster resilience, risk reduction and preparedness across the Territory.
For more information on the Disaster Ready Fund, visit the National Emergency Management Agency website: https://www.nema.gov.au/our-work/key-programs/disaster-ready-fund
Quotes attributable to ACT Minister for City and Government Services, Tara Cheyne MLA:
“Completing upgrades to Old Wells Station Road marks a final milestone in a decade‑long program to restore and reconnect Canberra’s northern grasslands, creating healthier landscapes the community can enjoy now and into the future.”
“The completion of the Old Well Station Road upgrade delivers real benefits for Canberra’s north and new suburb of Kenny, improving everyday access while supporting how people move safely through this area.
“Just as importantly, this upgrade strengthens emergency management outcomes by providing safer, more reliable access through Nadjung Mada Nature Reserve for emergency services and land managers when it matters most.
“This project shows how well‑designed infrastructure can enhance city amenity and safety while protecting environmental values. Features such as the striped legless lizard crossings demonstrate how we can deliver infrastructure that works with nature.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories, Kristy McBain MP:
“The ACT is no stranger to the impacts of disasters, including severe storms, floods and bushfires.
“Through our flagship Disaster Ready Fund the Albanese Government is supporting projects like this across Australia to improve disaster resilience and risk reduction.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Fenner, Dr Andrew Leigh MP:
“Old Well Station Road is now better prepared for storms, bushfires and the odd Canberran on a bike pretending they’re commuting rather than training.
“As the local MP, I’m especially pleased it improves emergency access without asking the striped legless lizard to move house.”
Ends