The Parks and Wildlife Commission NT (PWCNT) has closed the MacDonnell Range Reef Mine Self Guided Walk until further notice.

PWCNT chief district ranger Wayne Gaskon said the interim closure is a precaution and in response to a NT WorkSafe inspection report received yesterday afternoon.

“Public safety is our top priority and that’s why we have closed the MacDonnell Range Reef Mine Self Guided Walk for the time being,” Mr Gaskon said.

“The NT WorkSafe inspection report noted several areas of concern, including signs of a recent rock fall inside one of the vertical shafts, and recommended the facilities are inspected by someone with appropriate geological and/or engineering qualifications to certify the reef mines’ structural integrity.

“The outcome of this inspection will guide us in our response to the report’s recommendation, which is to conduct a risk assessment to establish whether it is reasonably practicable to continue unsupervised access to the facilities.

“The site was first certified 30 years ago with engineering inspections conducted since then.

”This report received yesterday is something we take seriously and have immediately responded to with this interim closure.

“The Parks and Wildlife Commission has a strong desire to retain this unique experience of an early NT mining heritage.

“The Commission will work with the Department of Mines and Energy Mine Remediation Unit to determine if this feasible.

“We will inform the public as soon as practicable if and when the MacDonnell Range Reef Mine walk can be re-opened.”

The Arltunga Historical Reserve is located 110km east of Alice Springs along the Binns Track and is accessible by two wheel drive vehicle all year round.

Go to www.parksandwildlife.nt.gov.au for more information about Northern Territory parks and reserves administered by PWCNT.

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Media Note - for more information please contact PWCNT chief district ranger (Parks Central Australia – East) Wayne Gaskon on 89537383.