A section of the Fernleigh Track, from Redhead to Whitebridge, has re-opened less than a week after falling victim to a devastating bushfire.
The blaze tore through more than 90 hectares of land, which skirts the much-loved shared path, and threatened homes in several suburbs, as well as an aged care facility.
A Natural Disaster Declaration (NDD) was also activated in the LGA.
Lake Macquarie City Council crews and contractors have worked throughout the past six days to assess the damage and remove fire-affected trees.
Mayor Adam Shultz said a total of 20 trees had been removed, including several mature eucalypts that towered beside the track.
“It has been a huge effort to get it all done so quickly,” he explained.
“So, I’d like to thank everyone involved for their hard work.
“We know how popular the Fernleigh Track is… and it’s great to get it re-opened in time for the weekend.”
The pathway was closed between Station Street at Whitebridge and Liles Oval at Redhead since the bushfire broke out on 6 December.
“We’re also so grateful to the NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS), Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) and other emergency services who helped contain the fire and prevented it from reaching homes or doing further damage to the Fernleigh Track and other important infrastructure,” Cr Shultz said.
But, he urged track-users to be extra cautious over the weekend and take heed of council’s shared path etiquette.
“After a week of closure, we’re likely to have more people than usual using the track and checking out how it looks after the fire,” Cr Shultz said.
“I’d just ask everyone to take care, slow down, stay to the left and think of other people.”
For more news stories:
- Man charged over teen’s shooting at Mayfield unit
- Tomago’s future secured after taxpayer bailout
- Restored Sensory Trail a hit at Hunter Wetlands Centre
Get all the latest Newcastle news, sport, real estate, entertainment, lifestyle and more delivered straight to your inbox with the Newcastle Weekly Daily Newsletter. Sign up here.
