CARNARVON’S ICONIC AMPHITHEATRE RE-OPENS
Published Tuesday, 12 June, 2007 at 08:12 AM
Minister for Environment and Multiculturalism
The Honourable Lindy Nelson-Carr
The Amphitheatre in Carnarvon Gorge, north west of Roma, has re-opened following the completion of a three year, $409,000 project to make the iconic site safe and accessible, Environment Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr said today.
Ms Nelson-Carr said the Amphitheatre had been closed since 2003 when the rock to which the stairway was attached came away due to natural movement of the rock face.
“Due to its remoteness and with about 40,000 people visiting the gorge section each year, public safety is paramount,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.
“The EPA commissioned geotechnical surveys, built and installed a new access structure, put in visitor barriers, seating and pathways and upgraded walking tracks and interpretive signage.
”With the re-engineering and significant upgrade of access visitors can once again safely experience the splendour of the Amphitheatre.”
Ms Nelon-Carr said the Amphitheatre was one of many reasons the rugged 16,000ha Carnarvon Gorge section of Carnarvon National Park is the most popular tourist destination in Queensland’s central highlands
“The 300 million year old sandstone has weathered over time to form Carnarvon Gorge and this weathering continues today,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.
“The droughts and the floods that make this place what it is, also make it a very challenging place to manage.
"The new infrastructure had already proved its strength having survived flash flooding in February. The February flash flood certainly gave it a good workout and the engineers have given it the all-clear.
“The new access and facilities mean that visitors can again enjoy the full natural splendour of this awe-inspiring place,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.
Photos of original access walkway and the new walkway and facilities are available.
Media contact: Lisa Gilby (Ms Nelson-Carr’s office) 3336 8002 or James Newman (QPWS District Manager) 0427 024 615 or 4622 4266.
Ms Nelson-Carr said the Amphitheatre had been closed since 2003 when the rock to which the stairway was attached came away due to natural movement of the rock face.
“Due to its remoteness and with about 40,000 people visiting the gorge section each year, public safety is paramount,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.
“The EPA commissioned geotechnical surveys, built and installed a new access structure, put in visitor barriers, seating and pathways and upgraded walking tracks and interpretive signage.
”With the re-engineering and significant upgrade of access visitors can once again safely experience the splendour of the Amphitheatre.”
Ms Nelon-Carr said the Amphitheatre was one of many reasons the rugged 16,000ha Carnarvon Gorge section of Carnarvon National Park is the most popular tourist destination in Queensland’s central highlands
“The 300 million year old sandstone has weathered over time to form Carnarvon Gorge and this weathering continues today,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.
“The droughts and the floods that make this place what it is, also make it a very challenging place to manage.
"The new infrastructure had already proved its strength having survived flash flooding in February. The February flash flood certainly gave it a good workout and the engineers have given it the all-clear.
“The new access and facilities mean that visitors can again enjoy the full natural splendour of this awe-inspiring place,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.
Photos of original access walkway and the new walkway and facilities are available.
Media contact: Lisa Gilby (Ms Nelson-Carr’s office) 3336 8002 or James Newman (QPWS District Manager) 0427 024 615 or 4622 4266.