Wollumbin National Park, formerly known as Mount Warning National Park, is closed due to significant safety issues on the Wollumbin Summit track.
The park has been closed since March 2020 to comply with COVID-19 rules on public gatherings and physical distancing, particularly related to use of the chain near the summit of the climb.
During this closure, an independent engineer's structural assessment strongly recommended the closure of the 100-metre chain section used by climbers to access the summit.
This assessment noted the existing posts in the chain section was reaching the end of their design life, increasing the risk of further accidents or fatalities.
The independent engineer's assessment led to the conclusion that catastrophic failure of this chain section was very high.
Safety is a priority for the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), and as such the summit track closure has been extended.
We understand that locals and visitors may be disappointed by the extended closure; however, our main priority must always be to ensure the safety of visitors and staff.
We will now consider the Summit track's future, in consultation with key community and tourism stakeholders including Aboriginal Elders and knowledge holders.