Instability on the Illawarra Escarpment leads to temporary track and lookout closures
Media release: 22 July 2008
In the interests of public safety, NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has closed some lookouts and trails on the Illawarra Escarpment, but is in the final stages of restoring the Sublime Point Walking Track.
The closures have been carefully considered after geotechnical assessments of the area identified areas which could pose a threat to public safety and NPWS has taken action to safeguard visitors to the escarpment.
The geological conditions on the escarpment make for some of the most difficult track maintenance in NSW.
"Although the Bulli Lookout Track and Woodward Lookout have been closed, visitors will still have access to a number of spectacular lookouts and vantage points all along the escarpment," said NPWS Area Manager Joanne Edney."
"At this stage the closures are temporary and NPWS will consider all options carefully and will consult the community before determining a long-term course of action."
"We have pulled the Longview Crescent Lookout back from the cliff-line and overhanging ledge, but visitors can still take in excellent views from the new vantage point."
"Woodward Lookout is of particular significance, having been constructed in honour of local alderman Fred Woodward and the community was instrumental in establishing it."
"Geotechnical investigations have identified a safer and more scenic nearby location for the Woodward Lookout and we are looking at our options for constructing a new lookout there."
"Doing so recognises that the Woodward track could provide an excellent venue in the northern area of the escarpment for mobility-impaired visitors."
NPWS has adopted a three-tier strategy to address safety hazards associated with its walking tracks in the Illawarra:
- Walking tracks/lookouts assessed as posing a significant safety risk will be permanently closed
- Temporary closure of walking tracks/lookouts while repairs are carried out, then re-opening
- Restoration of existing structures without closure in order to make them safe for public access.
Ms Edney said: "Visitor safety is the number one priority for NPWS. By regularly monitoring tracks for risk from rock falls and other instability, NPWS helps to ensure the public has safe access to some of the most beautiful walking tracks on the NSW coast.
"The good news is that extensive restoration work on the Sublime Point Walking Track is nearing completion and we hope to re-open the track soon."
"This is one of the few walks that link the coastal foothills and the plateau. The steep terrain has presented many challenges for our small crew of field officers and unfortunately, problems regarding land instability and weather have delayed progress."
"The escarpment has been formed over millions of years by natural erosion. The cliffs and plateau are comprised of durable sandstone. Beneath the cliffs there is a weaker claystone which tends to erode more rapidly, making the escarpment susceptible to rock falls and other instability which can be dangerous for visitors."
Details of the closures area as follows:
- Bulli Lookout Track (below the Gateway centre, Bulli Tops). While work was carried out to restore the track, a further significant rockfall has now covered the track, necessitating its closure. This track is susceptible to landslides along much of its 3km length and further remedial work is unfeasible.
- Partial closure at Longview Crescent lookout (Stanwell Tops). There is no longer access to the overhang, but excellent vantage points have been retained.
- Woodward Lookout has been closed, but a safer and more scenic replacement lookout is being planned. Meanwhile, excellent views remain possible from nearby Sublime Point Lookout.
Visitors have access to a number of spectacular lookouts all along the escarpment from Stanwell Tops and Bulli Tops to Mount Keira and Mount Kembla.
Contact: Susie Summers