Paton's Hut and Delaney's Hut to open soon
Media release - Wednesday, March 26 2008
The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service says the new Paton's Hut will be officially opened this Saturday followed by the opening of Delany's Hut the following weekend.
NPWS ranger Megan Bowden said the huts are the second and third huts to be rebuilt following their destruction in the 2003 fires.
"Broken Dam Hut was rebuilt and opened in December last year. It was the only hut not to have been burnt in the 2003 fires. It’s believed park users accidentally burnt Broken Dam to the ground in 1998," she said.
"Construction of the new Paton's Hut began onsite on the 25th November, 2007 and after four months of erecting the pole frame and cladding the hut in iron and split slabs, it is looking great.
"Paton's Hut was originally built in the early 1930s as a stockman's shelter by Tom and Frank Paton, near Tooma Dam halfway between Cabramurra and Khancoban."
President of Kosciuszko Huts Association Bob Moon said he was thrilled with the work being done on the huts.
"NPWS officers have been getting assistance from descendants of the hut builders, KHA, other volunteers and friends. These huts are two of seven huts that are being rebuilt over the next couple of years with help from the KHA and other volunteers."
Ms Bowden said planning is also underway for the reconstruction of Sawyer's Hut near Kiandra on the Snowy Mountains Highway.
NPWS officers, family, and other associated people visited the sites of Brook's, Boobee and O'Keefe's huts in the Happy Jacks area recently to start planning the rebuilding of these huts in November.
Those wishing to come to the opening of these huts or become involved with the conservation and or rebuilding of huts can contact the NPWS at Tumut on 6947 7000 or Kosciuszko Huts Association via their website on www.kosciuszkohuts.org.au.
Media inquiries: Tonia Liosatos