Last updated: 3.15PM, Friday 3 January 2020

AIS Chief Medical Officer Dr David Hughes has issued a caution to sports and individual athletes currently on site or intending to visit in the coming weeks to be aware of the conditions.

Unprecedented bushfire activity in New South Wales is causing high levels of smoke pollution in the ACT and surrounding regions, and Dr Hughes advises changes or cancellations to training plans may need to be considered.

As a precautionary measure, all AIS training facilities will be closed this Saturday 4^th January due to the forecast extreme conditions, with Canberra-based athletes to be alerted via the residence noticeboard of any further closures.   

“The air quality index (AQI) in Canberra over the past two weeks has consistently exceeded levels that would be considered safe for high intensity aerobic training,” said Dr Hughes

“Sports intending to train in Canberra in the next week or two are advised to check the AQI via the ACT Health website in first instance.”

>> https://www.health.act.gov.au/about-our-health-system/population-health/environmental-monitoring/monitoring-and-regulating-air

The AIS has also released best practice guidelines on Smoke Pollution and Exercise to provide guidance and leadership specifically for the Australian high performance sport system for training in smoke affected environments.

“The levels of smoke pollution in Canberra will continue to be significantly impacted by ongoing bushfire activity on the NSW South Coast and in the Alpine regions,”

“Sports need to carefully consider athlete health and well-being during this time of unusual smoke pollution, when planning Canberra-based training activities.”

All public attractions at the Canberra campus will also be temporarily closed over the weekend (4-5 January) due to the increased fire risk in the region.

The attractions include the AIS Aquatic and Fitness Centre as well as the AIS Visitor Centre including the AIS Shop, Café and public tours. All attractions are scheduled to reopen on Monday 6^th January however the unpredictable conditions may cause further revisions to operating hours.

The UC Capitals v Perth Lynx game due to be played at the AIS Arena on Sunday 5th January has also been cancelled.

For status updates on attraction operation hours, check the Visit AIS facebook page.