Recent storms producing heavy rainfall have caused severe erosion damage to the Nethercote Falls access road and the walking trail, and the site is now closed until Forestry Corporation of NSW staff can remediate the site.

Forestry Corporation’s Protection Supervisor Julian Armstrong said the damage means the Nethercote Falls walking trail and emergency road in Nullica State Forest are unsafe for public and emergency service access.

“The emergency access road, from the top carpark to the bottom emergency carpark, has been damaged by severe gully erosion for approximately three-quarters of its length,” Mr Armstrong said.

“This section of road is generally closed to public vehicle access but is utilised by emergency services to assist in the evacuation of an injured member of the public in the event of an accident.

“In some parts, the erosion is as deep as 1.4 metres and 1.5 metres wide, so is simply not safe to drive on.

“The entire length of the walking path is also affected and has been washed away or collapsed, combined with gully erosion adjacent to the steps means the site is not safe for walkers.”

The emergency access road and walking trail is now closed to public visitors, and should avoid the site until it is repaired and reopened.

The latest State forest closures and notices are available at www.forestrycorporation.com.au.

Media contact: Rod Campbell