Repair works have started on a popular section of Launceston’s Cataract Gorge walking track, which was damaged by bushfires earlier this year.
The City of Launceston began the first stage of repairs this week on the First Basin Track, with contractors focusing on removing loose rocks and fallen trees.
A 200-metre section between the Alexandra Suspension Bridge and Sentinel Lookout is being worked on and is expected to take around 10 days to complete. The track is set to fully reopen by November.
“We’re going to have the track closed to track users so we keep people safe from falling rocks and trees,” said Bec James, Parks Planning Officer from the City of Launceston.
“We ask people to keep clear of this area for your own safety and also to allow our contractors … to do their work safely and to get the track open as quickly as we can.”
The bushfire caused significant damage to the track’s infrastructure, including bridges, elevated walkways, fences and retaining walls.
The fire also triggered landslips and rockfalls that left sections of the popular walking route impassable.
The council has spent the past few months assessing the damage and coordinating the repair work.
Mayor Matthew Garwood said the First Basin Track is one of the gorge’s top attractions and the council is committed to restoring it properly.
“The First Basin Track is one of the most stunning and challenging walks we’ve got in the Gorge,” Garwood said.
