SUBMISSIONS: 

Goulds Post Track 1862 ~
At this time, much of the area described is isolated country with no facilities, suitable for self-sufficient knowledgeable trekkers. For those, we visualize a return trek from Sir John Falls, or a one-way trek and return on a pack-raft for an extraordinary experience. Once established, walking this historical route could become another overland track

Forest Walk ~
Ready for immediate use is the Forest Walk, a Piners’ shoe-road clear from the Forestry House to the last Two Huon Stumps, a distance of approximately two kilometres. Traffic from these last few years has largely cleared the shoe road. Signage would improve the experience. Guided, school orienteering classes from Launceston annually take this walk.

WHAT IS NEEDED ~
To enhance what is available, we need to regain the easy access we had with the old jetty that continued across Cataract Creek to a benched track leading directly to the old Forestry House Site. If that crossing is now deemed unsuitable, then from a slightly higher point, using a bridge to the established benched road. It’s the best, safest way to move visitors onto the site.

Warner’s Landing ~
We note that PWS declares, “While the site offers a landing point for boats, any tracks and pathways that were a legacy of HEC’s investigation works, have been left to rehabilitate naturally.

We submit ~
Unless the road drains are kept open, water runs over the road face, softening it to muck. The Landing at the river edge is being undermined by the water flow and the structure threatened with collapse. This seems a poor choice when there are Macquarie Harbour Wildcare members in the area several times each month who could keep the road drains open.

Blockade ~
The Sir John Falls area is alive with history. Thousands protested here. Many will want to re-visit the spot of their greatest triumph and to bring their children and grandchildren to be inspired by nature’s beauty and see the harsh conditions they endured. This could be capitalized upon with better accommodation than presently available from the barebones Hydro hut, which blockade visitors may object to using. A new building could be built near that structure, a more commodious building with covered walks all around and large windows focused upon the waterway where the action took place. This new building could be funded by donations. Macquarie Harbour Wildcare received several offers.

Lea Tree ~
Across the waterway, slightly inland from Warner’s Landing stands the remains of the Lea Tree used as the gathering place by the protestors’ leaders. We have geo-located it standing amongst a grove of large Huon Pines near the Perch Lake. One day it could be a brilliant, easy feature walk, one popular with Blockade visitors. (Access via Warner’s Landing)

Eagle Creek ~
The last remnant of Calder’s track, connecting the Gordon River with the Franklin River runs alongside the Elliot Range. This valuable asset can be greatly enhanced by improving access across Eagle Creek.

WHAT IS NEEDED ~
Replace the fallen-tree bridge with a sturdy bridge suitable for walkers with sizable packs. Given that, Macquarie Harbour Wildcare members could then target thick spots with trimmers to open the track and make it safer.

Many kayakers using the camping area at the mouth of Eagle Creek would benefit from the day walk to the Elliot Range. Requirements are – Better access across Eagle Creek and ongoing agreement between PWS and Macquarie Harbour Wildcare to maintain the track.

Jack and Jude Binder
Friends of Macquarie Harbour and Waterways