Burleigh Head National Park’s Ocean View track reopens

9 Oct 2014 2:22 PMMichael Hart

 

Burleigh Head National Park’s Ocean View track reopens

 

Gold Coast families and visitors will be able to stroll from Burleigh Heads to Tallebudgera Creek once again, with the popular Ocean View track reopened in time for the long weekend.

 

The track was closed in June after large basalt boulders, some the size of small cars, fell from the cliff edge of the headland plateau, and caused major damage to the track.

 

Member for Burleigh Michael Hart MP said locals had been using the headland’s Rainforest Circuit for the past few months, but were eager for the Ocean View walk to reopen.

 

“The track is hugely popular with locals- offering walks along the rocky foreshore and through rainforest, and our local rangers did a great job clearing and repairing the track” Mr Hart said.

 

“It’s wonderful to see this great asset open, but rest assured, we aren’t compromising on public safety by reopening it,” he said.

 

A revised closure strategy is being implemented after the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) reviewed a rockfall risk assessment by engineers.

 

Mr Hart said engineering firm Golder Associates had been appointed to identify triggers for the fall, review the existing wet-weather track closure strategy and recommend a revised closure strategy.

 

“It’s thought a very cold night triggered the latest major rockfall, along with other factors like tree roots, slope creep and natural erosion processes,” Mr Hart said.

 

“QPWS will implement the recommended new closure strategy when adverse conditions exist or are expected, including 50mm of rainfall in a single torrential downpour, a temperature below 5 degrees, or wind speeds over 60km/hr,” he said.

 

“The track will also be closed for 48 hours following a wildfire, but we still only expect a small number of closures being needed each year.”

 

Work has also begun on new signs and fence upgrades recommended in the report, and is investigating a weather station to help with recommended monitoring and recording of wind speed on the headland.

 

 

[ENDS] 2 October 2014

 

Burleigh Electorate Office – 0458 214 972

 

Editors note: the correct name of the park is Burleigh Head National Park. The suburb is Burleigh Heads.