Replacement of Bridges Meander Valley

[Overlandman]

From ABC News
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-01-09/p ... ection=tas

The Meander Valley Council has renewed calls for the State Government to replace two car bridges in a popular bushwalking area.

Floodwaters washed away the bridges over the Meander River and Mother Cummings Rivulet three years ago.

The bridges were used by heavy logging trucks, as well as walkers and replacing them could cost more than $200,000.

Bushwalkers now face a 10-hour round trip to reach the Meander Falls and locals say they would be happy with a cheaper alternative.

Mark Mitchell from the Great Western Tiers Visitor Information Centre says every day dozens of tourists are disappointed by the access problems.

"In the busy time we'd probably have up to 30, so it's quite a popular spot that people want to get to," he said.

Meander Valley Mayor Craig Perkins has asked for a meeting with the Government to discuss solutions.

"[We want] to create this partnership if you like between the council, the community and the state government to quickly get them reinstated," he said.

The State Government says it is auditing Forestry Tasmania assets and the bridges could be included in next year's budget.

[sthughes]

At the moment you can drive to the car park in a 4WD quite easily on the alternative route that crosses the Meander near Lake Huntsman. Personally, rather than spending a heap of money on new bridges I think they should just fix up that route for 2WD access. It wouldn't take a lot; some gravel and drainage/pipes and it's all good.

[gossy1985]

That is exactly right. If they fix that road up they wouldent have to worry about any bridges. But if they do decide to fix the bridges they are better of doing a proper job off it. Not using logs again because the next flood that comes down is just going to wash the bridges away again. Then they are back at square one with more costs.

[corvus]

Problem is WHO is going to pay ??
corvus

[GerryDuke]

Still doesn't solve the problem of access to Bastion Cascades Stone Hut circuit if at least the first of the bridges is not replaced. I tend to keep away from politics in this forum but funding was soon found to replace the Cockle Creek bridge when 'the powers to be' might not be able to drive a few hundred metres to very few camping sites. As mentioned by John Cannon in his column in The Mercury a few months ago (21 September) many tracks and the roads will possibly be at risk of becoming over grown and falling into disrepair through lack of use. It's not surprising many have turned away from major parties in favour of independents and others. (eg Denison). The Tarkine area became known as the forgotten wilderness - the Meander Forest Reserve could well be regarded as 'The Neglected Area'.

viewtopic.php?f=42&t=4974&p=198125&hilit=bastion+cascades#p198125

[steveh72]

I do find it ironic this thread, on a previous post, I did say that when forestry is removed who will pay and maintain roads etc. as a lot of the walks in the north involve using forestry roads and infrastructure for access. The responses included I would be happy to walk in the extra hours. mmmmmmmmmmm

[Nuts]

Threw the baby out with the bath water? Doh!

[corvus]

Don't think there is a lot Forestry activity off the Mersey Forest Road now ? wonder what will happen to our access to many walks if Forestry no longer maintain roads and bridges? I know that one bridge has been closed and access to Rinadeena Falls is now a wee bit longer.
corvus

[Nuts]

The Arm River road (loop) is now one way.. out and back- the lower road is closed out at the bridges.

[corvus]

Interesting why one way out only now on the Arm River Road??
corvus

[Nuts]

Same thing i'd suspect. Nobody to pay for the maintenance of the various bridges, February, Roarer etc. You have to take the high road.

[pazzar]

Bridges are still fine on Arm River Rd, the blockage is not until the big clearing just before the turn off to the track head, but the closure would be to save on maintenance. I think those roads that are popular access roads should be bought back by the government. I'd be happy for my taxes to go into the maintenance of these roads.

[north-north-west]

Bridges are still fine on Arm River Rd, the blockage is not until the big clearing just before the turn off to the track head, but the closure would be to save on maintenance. .

Does that mean we can't get to the Maggs track any more?

[Nuts]

It's not a big drama, I can recall stories of needing chainsaws but it's never happened for us (though the top road was the fall back).
No, bridges open as pazzar mentions, road closed at the heli staging area (clearing) just west of Arm R turnoff (as I hear, Iv'e only been on the top road). Yes, you can still get into Maggs/Arm R by taking the top (left) option of the loop. Hopefully someone at least continues to fund the top road.

[sthughes]

Don't think there is a lot Forestry activity off the Mersey Forest Road now ? wonder what will happen to our access to many walks if Forestry no longer maintain roads and bridges? I know that one bridge has been closed and access to Rinadeena Falls is now a wee bit longer.
corvus

Last time I was up the Mersey Forest Road (early December) the bridges past the main Walls of Jerusalem car park had just been fixed up with new decking timber

[Inland]

At the moment you can drive to the car park in a 4WD quite easily on the alternative route that crosses the Meander near Lake Huntsman. Personally, rather than spending a heap of money on new bridges I think they should just fix up that route for 2WD access. It wouldn't take a lot; some gravel and drainage/pipes and it's all good.

Wondering what and where this road is? Would love to be able to reach these walks in the winter. Late last year some friends and I walked the Split Rock track and back down, we had forgotten about the bridges until we arrived.. Luckily the water was low enough to take our boots off and walk through. Still damn cold though!

Would love to visit Meander Falls in the dead of winter and do Shower Cave Falls and Split Rock all in the same day while we're at it.

[sthughes]

[Chris]

At the moment you can drive to the car park in a 4WD quite easily on the alternative route that crosses the Meander near Lake Huntsman.

Would a Forester be up to it or would you need a heavy duty 4WD?

[gossy1985]

Shouldn't be a drama Chris as long as you chosse a good line. There is a couple of bigger rocks and a deep rut close to the end but both can be avoided eaisly.

[Chris]

Shouldn't be a drama Chris as long as you chosse a good line. There is a couple of bigger rocks and a deep rut close to the end but both can be avoided eaisly.

Thanks Gossy that's great. After going in with the BWT Strollers when I first got back into walking a few years ago I've been itching to return. Had to change the Forester for a 2WD van but I'm sure I can interest Forester-owning friends to come with me

[sthughes]

I only had a 2008 Outlander when I did it. Even a 2wd with good clearance could do it (many vans do), but when I was there it was quite muddy so you'd risk getting bogged without 4wd.

[horsecat]

I was there a few weeks back and had no problems in a Pathfinder 4WD, but it looked a bit dicey for anything with less clearance. Some large holes and it was beginning to slop up a bit in one section. I wouldn't try it in a Forester if it has been raining, or if it might whilst on your walk (when doesn't it rain there though?) as the sloppy section is affected by the runoff from higher up

[greyim]

Spread couple+ of loads of gravel to fix 4wd track $1-3 k
Couple of bridges $100-300k each
I'd suggest council could manage to do the first meantime

[Chris]

I think this is sad news that we have to wait so long, but at least it seems that the bridges will be replaced eventually.
Apologies for the quality but I think it's readable.

[47tuc]

FWIW, I drove into the carpark at the start of the Meander Falls and Split Rock tracks today.
The alternative road as mentioned earlier in this thread is quite passable by an ordinary 2WD car without extra ground clearance.
It is however quite rough and potholed for part of the way.
I walked the Split Rock track around to the Meander river and up to the falls then back down along the river to the carpark. Great day-walk, highly recommended.

[Lones]

WHICH ROAD IS THE ALTERNATIVE ROAD?! We tried to get to the carpark yesterday, trying to find Bessells Rd to do Staggs Track, found nothing, no markings or signs to an alternative route, just an impassable river stopping us getting to the carpark. It feels like pulling teeth trying to get clear information on how to find these places - not annoyed with you guys, just extremely frustrated at how difficult it is to find anything and how poorly marked things are

[Lones]

Is it the road to the "Apex Hut" that we should be taking??

[Chris]

Yes that's the one.
I went up there a couple of months ago and was surprised to see the sign which had previously indicated the new route to Meander Falls had disappeared.
Drove as far as the missing bridge (a lovely drive so no problem) before returning to the only possible access.
Had intended to post here about the missing sign, but somehow didn't get around to it.

The road was in reasonable condition, but it was good to have plenty of clearance in a few places. Definitely not a fast road!

It's a great walk, and the magnificent King Billies just before the falls are a terrific bonus. Enjoy

[Lones]

Thanks Chris - we ended up doing a different walk this weekend but Staggs Track will be our next one!!