Tasmania to restore fire damaged national park infrastructure

During COVID-19, Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service (PWS) is taking advantage of the closure of national parks and reserves to undertake vital rehabilitation work on park walks, roads and bridges that were damaged by recent bushfires.

Tenders will be called during the coming weeks for a range of projects in southern Tasmania where the fires damaged more than 117 kilometres of walking tracks and 119 kilometres of roads, bridges and other PWS assets.

Tasmania Minister for Environment and Parks, Roger Jaensch advised “the rehabilitation work will include projects such as clearing and track rebuilding. This work aims to help the tourism industry rebound strongly when the coronavirus emergency has passed.

“Along with track rebuilding, gravel, rock, timber, helicopter services and other suppliers will be utilised to complete the works.”

The PWS Fire Recovery team will oversee the rehabilitation work to ensure the tracks and walks are safe to use again when parks and reserves re-open to the public.

Minister Jaensch added “we have appreciated the community’s patience as PWS assessed the extensive damage to burnt infrastructure which posed serious safety hazards.

Visitor safety and environmental protection are our priorities and this work will ensure all areas are safe to use before the roads and tracks are re-opened.”

Tender opportunities for areas including Mt Anne Track, Lake Judd Track and Clear Hill Road, as well as supply of helicopter services, gravel and treated timber, will be advertised on the Tasmanian Government’s website at www.tenders.tas.gov.au

Image courtesy of Tasmania Parks and Wildlife