By Kirra Livingstone
MOUNT Ngungun will remain closed indefinitely until the risk of rockfall is minimised, to ensure park-goers safety.
The mountain was first closed due to the high risk of rockfall from the summit on July 15.
Anyone who enters closed areas in national parks is liable for a $645 on-the-spot fine.
GC&M News inquired with the department about the actual process of stabilising the mountain.
“At present, we are investigating the full extent of the situation and obtaining expert engineering advice on ways we can stabilise the affected area,” a DESI spokesperson said.
“We won’t be able to advise potential reopening dates until we work through this process and know the nature of any stabilisation work.
“Like all national parks, Mount Ngungun is a natural area with all the natural hazards this entails. Potential rockfalls are taken seriously given the possibility of serious injury (or worse) if they occur.”
The spokesperson added that while the closure may be an inconvenience, safety remains their top priority.