August 2017 | Lorraine Clarke

ONE OF the many losses suffered in 2016’s devastating floods was the access road to our Walls of Jerusalem National Park.

The Mersey Forest Road was completely washed out in several sections, preventing peoples’ use and enjoyment of the Walking Track.  The State Government committed $3.25 million for repairs which have recently been completed.

Guy Barnett MP, Liberal Member for Lyons, is very keen to promote public use of the new road and to restore tourist traffic through the Mole Creek area.  He recently inspected the work done on the road and the Fish River Bridge.  He said, “The largest concrete drainpipe ever used in Tasmania was installed to handle the volume of water which may occur in the future if ever there is a similar event to last year’s rains. The pipe is much bigger than me.”

Announcing the reopening of the Mersey Forest Road, Mr Barnett stated, “This is an important road that provides access to one of our most popular natural attractions. This is a truly magnificent area in our beautiful State and I thank all Tasmanians for their patience during the repairs.

“I commend the Department of State Growth for its efforts in managing the work on behalf of Forestry Tasmania.”