Sublime vision is realised as final stairways are installed
Aug 28, 08:31 am by Editor
THE installation of the final two ladders on the Sublime Point Walking Track this week brings to a close the major engineering phase of one of the most challenging projects ever undertaken by NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) on the Illawarra Escarpment.
Restoring the historic track – which dates back to the early 1900s – has included extensive geotechnical assessments, the removal of 50 tonnes of loose rock, and the installation of nine custom-made steel ladders.
NPWS Sydney South Regional Manager Mike Patrick, said the Sublime Point Walking Track, which extends from Sublime Point to Austinmer, was widely accepted as one of the most spectacular in the Illawarra.
“The track was constructed – at an approximate cost of $400,000 – in vertical terrain using helicopters, specialist engineers and contractors, and a team of NPWS field officers trained in rope-access techniques,” said Mr Patrick.”
The Sublime Point Walking Track was closed in 2003 by its then owners, the Department of Lands. Later that year, the track was transferred to NPWS as an addition to the Illawarra Escarpment State Conservation Area (IESCA).
“In order to investigate whether the track could be repaired and reopened, NPWS commissioned a series of detailed geotechnical assessments to identify the hazards and the work needed to make the area safe,” said Mr Patrick.”
“This work has included the removal of more than 50 tonnes of loose rock and the installation of some 30 steel bolts to stabilise other rock fall hazards. Each bolt was anchored to a depth of 2-4 metres into the sandstone cliffs.”
“The nine custom-made steel ladders, each weighing around 400kg, had to be flown in by helicopter.”
The geological conditions on the escarpment make for some of the most difficult track maintenance in NSW. The escarpment has been formed over millions of years by natural erosion.
The cliffs and the 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.
Mr Patrick said, “This project has faced a number of delays owing to wet and windy weather, which has prevented the use of aircraft.”
“In addition to this, work was halted for several months in 2006, while specialist contractors removed large hazards above the walking track – the largest of these weighing 30 tonnes.”
“Public 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 access to some of the oldest and most beautiful walking tracks on the NSW coast.”
The track is expected to be re-opened to the public in October 2008.
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