Emergency services expecting to make more rescues now Mt Gillen is officially closing to recreational hikers
EMERGENCY services are expecting an increase in the number of rescues they will need to make now as hikers rush to climb Mt Gillen before it officially closes for good
Alice Springs
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RISK assessments of the eroded Mount Gillen track are being undertaken with emergency services preparing for a potential increase in rescues after the news the popular walking track has closed.
Territory police are urging recreational climbers of Mount Gillen to consider alternative walking tracks after it was announced this week the walk would be officially closed from March 1 next year.
Northern Territory Emergency Service are undertaking a risk assessment of the Mount Gillen track as conditions are considered hazardous given the extreme heat at this time of year and the eroded path.
Regional Manager Southern Command, Ian Carlton, said with the announcement of the closure of the path by Northern Territory Parks and Wildlife earlier this week, planning had begun to look at the possibility of an increase in rescues.
“In previous years NTES alongside with St John Ambulance has responded to numerous callouts to rescue those who are either injured on the track, or unable to complete the walk due to a medical condition,” Mr Carlton said.
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“This has always put our members, who give their time to serve the community, at risk.
“While this is an unofficial trail, we understand there is a large number of recreational climbers who still use the trail.”
“We anticipate there will be an increase in people using the track prior to the removal of the access point on 1 March 2021, which will further erode the current path, making it more hazardous.”
“This in turns puts further demand on emergency resources and puts our members and everyone else attending, at risk.”
“People don’t realise that rescue is a long process and now that we are in summer, as it is hotter, additional precautions need to be considered by individuals to ensure your own personal safety. Eg water/shade/sunscreen and appropriate clothing with adequate footwear.” For more information see https://nt.gov.au/leisure/parks-reserves/be-safe/beat-the-heat.
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