I recently posted my comments on the Draft Community Plan for Waratah by the Waratah Community Board. A major portion of my suggestions was the refurbishment of the Loop walking track to the Old Powerhouse and Ringtail Falls. Some Ideas for the Waratah Community Board – Tasmanian Times
My property is at the southwestern start of the Loop, and I frequently chat with potential walkers about the route, difficulty and timing of the walk. And show a map for relevance.
On 13 July one such walker traversed the entire route over a 4-hour journey and took some outstanding photos – attached.
His commentary is telling and should be paramount as the council considers future near-term funding. His name is Gary Guest, and he is a professional photographer with a Facebook page . This is what he has said/posted:
John. thank you for enlightening me on the history and what is required to maintain this amazing piece of history. Yes, it needs to be kept for future generations to see and enjoy.
The upkeep of the walking track would be a great asset to the town and would bring in walkers from Australia and overseas.
Even to start with, the clearing of the track would be great for visitors and hikers would love the circuit. Such a beautiful part of the Waratah beauty and history.
Wow what a day. Yes, I admit I am not that fit. But I keep trying. Today I walked the loop to the old Waratah Power Station. It was a great experience walking through the beautiful Tasmania bush. Not far from the old power station there is Ringtail Falls. It’s a beautiful sight in the bush.
Further discussion on Friday evening at the magnificent Bischoff Hotel illuminated his thoughts a bit more and he posted this on his Facebook page on Saturday
This is what is left of the Waratah Power Station Tasmania Australia. It was used to supply power to the Mt Bischoff tin mine.
The Mt Bischoff mine was discovered by farmer and part-time prospector James ‘Philosopher’ Smith in 1871, and for many years was one of the world’s richest tin mines It closed in about 1947. Sadly, there is little left of this bit of history.
It’s about a 4.5km round the circuit walk through the Tasmania rain forest. The track has trees obstructing the way and the climb out is very steep. Bloody steep.
At the council meeting of 18 June, the council approved inter alia ‘Complete Stage 1 of the Waratah Falls Walk’. This is an elevated board walk compatible with wheelchairs to the base of the Falls. First designed and promoted in 2008, the estimated cost is $3.67 $million. Title of your Thesis (warwyn.tas.gov.au)
As an aside, it’s emblematic of this council’s sloppiness that they didn’t even change the placeholder Title of your Thesis from the template used; presumably an error by the consultant who prepared the report, but easily fixable and indeed should have been fixed before being released by the council.
Frankly it’s amazing that this decision would be made one month before the Open Meeting in Waratah to discuss the Draft Community Plan and Implementation Actions. Consultation at its finest…not!
And the exorbitant cost is inconsistent with the post-Covid demands of both the state government and Waratah-Wynyard Council and will not specifically increase the natural value tourism of the community.
The enhancement of the Old Powerhouse Loop track will achieve that objective as described by Gary Guest, at approximately less than 20% of the outlay.
I would ask all relevant politicians and councillors to contemplate what is best for both Waratah and the state of Tasmania.
Images © Gary Guest 2022.
