A popular walk at Launceston’s Cataract Gorge may remain shut to the public for several months after a private retaining wall at a property on South Esk Road failed earlier this month.
The retaining wall is built on steep terrain above the 1km-long Cataract Walk track, which links Kings Bridge with the Cataract Gorge’s Cliff Grounds.
The Launceston City Council say further movement of the retaining wall could pose a risk to the track infrastructure below.
As a result, both the Cataract Walk and Trevallyn Steps track have been closed to the public until further notice.
The council are currently working with engineering experts and property owners to “assess the potential impacts of the failed retaining wall” before various works are undertaken.
City of Launceston Mayor Matthew Garwood said the Council understood the popularity of the Cataract Walk.
“Our priority at all times is the safety of our community,” Mayor Garwood said.
“Given the extremely difficult terrain, and the moisture levels currently in the ground, repair works may be complex and may take several months to complete.”
All other walking tracks in the Cataract Gorge remain open to the public, including the Zig Zag track between Kings Bridge and the First Basin.
