Canberra Grasslands Reopen After Decades, Unexploded Ammo Removed
CISR
This headline is brought to you by the Center for International Stabilization and Recovery (CISR) which works to support resilience and recovery in global communities affected by war and conflict.
(ABC News) The tranquil grasslands in Canberra's north, now a protected conservation area, conceal a tumultuous past as a live military firing range in the early 20th century. West Majura Grasslands Reserve, used for synchronized firing practice until the 1960s, held the potential danger of unexploded ammunition.
Despite the area's historical significance, local residents were largely unaware, as it lacked proper signage due to safety concerns. The grasslands were closed last October for an extensive search, uncovering anomalies, and safely detonating five explosive devices. The conservation efforts aim to preserve the endangered grassland community housing rare species like the striped legless lizard.