National Parks and Wildlife Service said it was "very disappointed" that signage blocking access to the popular Tomaree Headland summit walk was ignored and removed during the Easter long weekend.
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NPWS staff were deployed to the track on Saturday to repair barriers, put up additional signage and advise visitors of the closure and the risk of attempting the climb after signage and barriers that had been in place at the path entrance was removed.
The headland and its tracks have been closed due to a significant landslip on the mountain caused by last month's severe weather event.
"Visitor safety is the number one priority for NPWS. We were very disappointed to learn that signage and barriers were removed and disregarded at Tomaree Headland over the Easter long weekend," a NPWS spokesperson told the Examiner.
"The landslip on the Tomaree Summit Track represents a significant safety risk to visitors and NPWS staff as the loose material may give way, resulting in serious injuries.
"NPWS is awaiting specialist geotechnical advice to confirm it is safe for NPWS staff to access the track and begin remedial works on the Tomaree Summit Track."
The trek, Samurai Beach and the Worimi Conservation Lands, which were also off limits to the public during the long weekend, remain closed due to the "presence of residual floodwater and dangerous debris".
"NPWS is monitoring conditions and we are aiming to re-open beach driving at Samurai Beach and Worimi Conservation Lands as soon as beach-front driving is safe and accessible. This will be dependent on the tide and weather conditions experienced in coming days," the NPWS spokesperson said.
The Wreck Beach track is also closed as the heavy rain has "undermined the walking track and caused significant damage to steps and landings".
Worimi Conservation Lands Board chairperson Jamie Tarrant said all 4WD beach access tracks were impassable from flood water as high as 2 metres.
"The beachfront has dangerous driving conditions with significant erosion, sharp drop offs, and large water sinkholes in dune swales which could easily trap vehicles," he said.
"Protection of Worimi cultural sites is a priority for the board, with many sites becoming exposed by the flooding and associated sand movement currently being remediated. Several sites remain underwater and will need to be assessed once flooding subsides, and before vehicle access can be reopened."
The Samurai Beach access trail was flooded during intense rain on March 17-18. There is no vehicle access to the beach front or the campground.
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