National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is alerting residents in the northern Illawarra region, between Austinmer and Stanwell Park, of a 2-day helicopter operation to be undertaken from 24 to 25 July as a part of ongoing works to the Great Southern Walk.
This work is a part of the Great Southern Walk track upgrades in the Illawarra Escarpment State Conservation Area. Works commenced at the southern extent of Wodi Wodi track in 2023 and are set to continue onto Forest track along the top of the escarpment.
Weather permitting, the helicopter will lift approximately 120 loads to the work zones on the Wodi Wodi and Forest tracks. Residents in the region may see the chopper on both days between 9 am and dusk, as it carries materials to the project site. For public safety, all associated tracks will remain closed to the public while works are undertaken.
Locals should be aware there will be intermittent helicopter operations over the coming months relating to this project. Please refer to the NPWS website to stay up to date with ongoing works.
NPWS regularly relies on helicopters to transport construction materials to tracks that are difficult to access due to the location and rugged terrain making vehicle access impossible.
Works commenced on the 67 km Great Southern Walk in 2023, which is set to showcase the natural and cultural beauty of the Illawarra Escarpment, Royal and Kamay Botany Bay national parks over a multi-day experience.
