NSW — The recent
upgrade of a walking track which leads to some of the
most spectacular views in the Blue Mountains has
literally opened up a whole new view of the world for
people with disabilities or those bound to a wheelchair.
The Fairfax Walking Track was
reopened today by the Minister for the Environment, Mr
Bob Debus, after receiving a comprehensive make over
costing more than $200,000.
"The views that many of us in the
community take for granted, are often denied to people
with disabilities or those confined to a
wheelchair.
"This upgrade ensures that everyone
has an opportunity to experience some of the most
breathtaking views the Blue Mountains has to offer," said
Mr Debus.
Mr Debus said that the 1.8km
Fairfax Track was originally constructed in 1986 to
provide wheelchair access to the views at Govetts Leap,
but after twenty years of continuous heavy use, the track
surface had deteriorated to the point where wheelchair
access was no longer viable.
"The Fairfax walking track is very
popular with visitors and locals alike. Restoring it to
ensure everyone who wanted to access it could, was a very
high priority.
"The new hard surface track has
been designed to meet the highest safety requirements and
will require reasonably low maintenance for the long
term.
"Sections of the track have been
enhanced with landscaping and rock retaining walls and
additional handrails have been installed", said Mr
Debus
Mr Debus went on to say that six
new seats had also been installed along the track and a
number of new and improved interpretive signs have been
erected to provide information about the area.
"The National Parks and Wildlife
Services (NPWS) has a proud history of providing
accessible visitor facilities. It is committed to
including the whole community in its conservation
endeavours by continually improving its visitor
facilities and services to better accommodate everyone in
NSW.
Mr Debus said that this project is
part of a $37 million program to revitalise Sydney's
national parks.
Media contact: Liza Cassidy (02)
9995 6415 or after hours on 9995 6347
