A popular section of the Hume and Hovell Track near Tumbarumba, badly damaged by bushfire, has been reopened after repairs funded by the NSW Government.
The Henry Angel Campground to Mannus Lake section of the track is now ready for the enjoyment of walkers and nature lovers.
This 17-kilometre section of track offers spectacular views from Mt Garland which is now surrounded by regrowth and regenerated of trees and shrubs. It will connect hikers with nature and show the resilience of our bushland.
The Hume & Hovell Track stretches 426km and encompasses 17 campsites between Yass and Albury. It follows the footsteps of explorers Hamilton Hume and William Hovell who led an 1824 expedition from Sydney to Port Phillip.
Last year's bushfires had a major impact on the Hume and Hovell Track with more than 120 kilometres of burnt, and dozens of bridges, campsites and signs fire damaged.
Minister for Water, Housing and Property Melinda Pavey said the NSW Government had provided $1.5 million from the COVID-19 stimulus program for track upgrades.
"This includes new pedestrian bridges, steel steps at fence crossings, regeneration of lookouts, new camping huts, upgraded track markers and signs, and trail resurfacing, which will support the tourism potential of the track," Mrs Pavey said.
"Track work is a team effort managed by the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment – Crown Lands with Snowy Valleys Council and with input from the National Parks and Wildlife Service and Forestry NSW."
Snowy Valleys Council Mayor James Hayes said a specialised arborist identified and removed dangerous fire-impacted trees and vegetation along the Henry Angel Campground to Mannus Lake section of the track.
"Council work crews re-established the track corridor, cut back overgrowth and cleared paths, and replaced marker posts destroyed in the fire," Mr Hayes said.
"Progress was hindered by extreme weather Tumbarumba has experienced, including floods through the Henry Angel Campground and surrounds over the past 12 months, which required additional maintenance work."
