Crews from a walking track construction tea are working on rebuilding a cleared section of the summit track at Wollumbin National Park.
Crews from a walking track construction tea are working on rebuilding a cleared section of the summit track at Wollumbin National Park. Contributed

Big guns from Tassie arrive to rebuild Wollumbin track

BIG guns from Tasmania have been called in to help re-build the completely destroyed summit track at Wollumbin.

Lawrence Orel from National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) said the experienced specialist track builders were just some of "quite a number of people involved with the re-build."

"We use local contractors where possible but the crew from Tasmania are here to re-build the track," he said.

The park, which remains closed for public safety, still has a long way to go and is expected to be reopened at the end of the year.

But Mr Orel said weather was likely to interfere with re-opening plans.

"Already this year we've had a lot of wet weather," he said.

NPWS regional operations coordinator John Fisher said as extensive damage caused by ex-Tropical Cyclone Oswald in January is cleared, the next stage of track stabilisation had begun.

"Nine priority areas of track have been identified that will need to be either stabilised or new track diversions built", Mr Fisher said.

"Crews have already diverted around the first high risk area, just 100 metres from the start of the track, and are working stabilising the next priority site.

"Despite recent wet weather crews are working hard to get the track re-opening later this year.

Mr Fisher said more than 28 tonnes of gravel from a Uki supplier had been delivered, with around half expected to be needed for works on the first kilometre of the summit track.

"Already over 10 tonnes of gravel has been air lifted to various points along the track by a contracted helicopter from Ballina," Mr Fisher said.

"Wollumbin is currently a construction zone and we are again reminding people the Wollumbin National Park remains closed to the public."

"Unfortunately some are continuing to disregard the park closed signs."

He reminded people to respect park closures for their own safety and anyone who ignored the risks faced an on-the-spot fine of $300 or maximum penalty of $3,300.

"The Westpac (Life Saver)Rescue Helicopter has also undertaken winch training exercises to verify the emergency helipads are operational for future evacuations, if required," he said.



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