NPWS have issued a statement about Mt Warning. It seems it will now be until March 2022 till we find out whether the public can once again walk that well-worn trail...
Wollumbin (Mount Warning) National Park
The temporary closure of the Wollumbin Summit track and Wollumbin National Park has
been extended until 31 March 2022 due to public safety risks associated with the track and
to allow further consultation with the Aboriginal community and other key stakeholders about
the future management of the site.
Travel restrictions imposed by COVID-19 Public Health Orders have impacted the ability to
effectively engage with key stakeholders. The extension will provide sufficient time for this
engagement to occur.
While this consultation takes place, the NSW Government is investing in a range of visitor
infrastructure across the region as part of the largest capital investment program ever
undertaken in our national parks.
By way of example, the $7.35 million Tweed Byron Hinterland Trails project will provide a
four-day walk from Unicorn Falls to Minyon Falls. The new and enhanced visitor facilities at
Minyon Falls visitor precinct are planned to open to the public in spring 2021.
Daily Telegraph provide some coverage...
Mt Warning Wollumbin national park closed until March 2022
The popular hike was closed in March 2020 due to safety concerns and extended during Covid-19 closures. Here’s why it’s been extended again.
A decision on whether the Mt Warning track within Wollumbin National Park will re-open has been delayed for another five months.
A NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service spokeswoman said the temporary closure of the Wollumbin Summit track and Wollumbin National Park had been extended until March 31, 2022.
The organisation has cited public safety risks associated with the track and the need to further consult with the key stakeholders including the Aboriginal community and local and regional tourism bodies about the management of the site.
She said Covid-19 travel restrictions had impacted the ability to effectively engage with the stakeholders.
“The extension will provide sufficient time for this effective engagement to occur,” she said.
The mountain was initially closed in March 2020 due to Covid-19 restrictions before the chains to the summit were removed in January 2021.
The upper reach of Wollumbin was declared an Aboriginal Place in 2014 in recognition of its special significance to Aboriginal people.
A petition started by Tweed resident Craig Murphy was tabled in July this year with more than 1000 signatures.
Mr Murphy said although the extension on the closure was “disappointing” there were some positives.
“It provides further opportunity for the public and National Parks to reach a decision that's positive for the community as a whole in regards to not only Aboriginal issues but also those relating to tourism, social and economical,” Mr Murphy said.
He said he hoped National Parks would engage with residents in the area before making a final decision on the mountain.
“I think there’s a range of possibilities that would be acceptable to all members of the community and provide real opportunities not only for education about Aboriginal history and custodianship but is also respectful to all members of the community and their relationship with the mountain,” he said.
“The mountain is quite special and significant to many people.”
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