No. 13

BETTER ACCESS TO OUR BUSHLAND AND PARKS

The ACT Government will provide $130,000 to develop walking trails at Mt Taylor and Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve.

Chief Minister Jon Stanhope said that the funding will see new walking tracks built at both Mt Taylor and Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve.

“A new track will be built on Mt Taylor to replace the closed Richmond Fellowship Walking Track,” said Mr Stanhope.

“The Richmond Fellowship Walking Track is a short, popular track providing access to the top of Mt Taylor. It is one of several walking tracks that start from various locations around the base of Mt Taylor providing access to the summit.

“Over the years water runoff and heavy use has caused the track to erode back to bedrock despite the installation of water diversion structures.  As a result the track has been closed and will now be rehabilitated to a natural state. 

“A new track on Mt Taylor, in the same general location, will be built this financial year. This track will conform to best practise in terms of grade, surface and water diversion.

“New walking tracks will also be built in the Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve.

“Following the 2003 bushfires designated walking tracks were destroyed. This funding will result in the development of new tracks at the Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve. The funding will also allow the upgrading of a car park at the Reserve.

“Canberra is surrounded by fantastic bushland and nature parks. It is important that we ensure that these areas remain accessible to Canberrans while at the same time protecting the natural ecosystems,” Mr Stanhope said.