$500,000 plan to upgrade Bruny Island lookout

BRUNY Island’s popular lookout at The Neck is to undergo a much-needed facelift.

The timber steps to the top of the popular lookout at The Neck on Bruny Island are going to be removed and a new track installed to the peak. Picture: ROGER LOVELL

BRUNY Island’s popular lookout at The Neck is to undergo a much-needed facelift.

The Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service has lodged a development application with the Kingborough Council to replace the ageing timber staircase and viewing platform.

More than $500,000 will be spent on the project if it receives approval.

State Liberal MP for Franklin Nic Street said the redevelopment came at a vital time.

“While the current timber structures have served the site well, they have reached the end of their serviceable life and the new structure will meet current building codes and provide improved access,” he said.

Stage one will see the construction of a new wheelchair-accessible walkway from the existing car park to a new bird viewing area, saddle viewing area and beach viewing area.

The timber staircase will be removed and a new track installed to the peak.

Stage two will see the replacement of the existing car park and toilet facilities.

Mr Street said it was expected that works will begin in autumn 2017 and be staged to provide visitor access as much as possible during construction.

The work will take place between April and October in order to minimise disturbance to rookery birds.

Bruny Island Community Association president Jenny Boyer said the group welcomed the project.

“Redevelopment at The Neck is very much needed to cope with the volume of people plus the existing stairway up to the lookout is rotting,” she said.

Another of Bruny’s major tourism drawcards, the South Bruny Lighthouse, has also recently undergone work, with more planned.

The three lightkeepers’ quarters have been re-roofed in a heritage red to be more in keeping with the original colours of the buildings and to blend into the landscape.

Restoration work on the lighthouse included a fresh coat of paint.

Plans are also being developed to improve visitor access at the site to better cope with the increasing visitation.