About Us

Parks, Conservation and Lands (PCL) has changed its name to Parks and City Services (PACS).   Pages on the TAMS web site that still refer to PCL should be taken to refer to PACS.  Pages are being progressively updated.   

Parks and City Services (PACS) is a division of the ACT Government Territory and Municipal Services (TAMS) Directorate .  PACS is responsible for the planning and management of the majority of ACT’s parks, reserves, forestry plantations and public domains, including lakes, street trees, public open spaces and city places. Libraries also now come under PACS.

PACS is committed to effective management of Canberra’s natural and built environment, to conserve biodiversity and to support an enjoyable, healthy and sustainable lifestyle for all Canberrans and the territory’s many visitors. PACS  manages more than 73 per cent of the ACT’s total area of 235,824 hectares. This equates to 172,564 hectares, and includes one wilderness area, one national park, several commercial forest pine plantations, three major water catchments, 1,325 urban open spaces, 12 lakes and ponds and 33 sites that make up the Canberra Nature Park. In addition to parks and reserves, PACS also manages more than 630,000 urban trees, 84 shopping centres, 21 buildings, 2 visitor centres, 50 picnic areas, 189 barbecues, 115 toilets, 452 playgrounds, 188 Aboriginal heritage sites, 121 European heritage sites and 40 natural heritage sites.

PACS is not responsible for areas managed by the National Capital Authority including the National Triangle and Lake Burley Griffin. Enclosed sports grounds, ovals and swimming pools  Economic Development Directorate -   Sport and Recreation Services.  .  Stromlo Forest Park, Canberra Stadium and Manuka Oval are also managed by Economic Development Ditectorate   Territory Venues and Events.

PACS has approximately 280 permanent staff, which includes rangers, customer services officers, field officers, technical specialists, maintenance workers and administration and support staff. In addition, more than 40 seasonal employees are engaged annually to assist with maintenance and fire management works.  

With Canberra's population approaching 350,000 achieving a balance that allows Canberrans and visitors to enjoy the many environmental treasures the territory has to offer, without cost to the area’s unique and rich biodiversity, is a huge challenge. Key strategies in achieving this include addressing the needs of threatened flora and fauna species and communities, developing customised plans of management and educating the community on conservation issues. 

Current Issues l Employment, Volunteers and Work Experience l
Contact Details and Visitor Centres l Policies and Forms l 
Links to other Agencies l Media Releases l Freedom of Information l
PCL Home Page l PCL Staff Access