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Important notice for all people planning back country activities in Kosciuszko National Park this winter.

The recent bushfires which burnt almost 70% of Kosciuszko National Park also destroyed or seriously damaged 19 historic huts some of which are commonly used by back country enthusiasts on winter trips.

By Department of Primary Industries - 16th July 2003 - Back to News

As a consequence people about to undertake back country trips this winter need to make themselves aware of which historic huts have been destroyed. These huts cannot be relied upon for shelter in the event emergency.

People undertaking such activities should be properly prepared and capable of making camp where ever they are and should not rely on the provision of emergency shelter.

The Kosciuszko huts are maintained because of their historic heritage. They are generally not designed specifically for emergency shelter.

People about to undertake back country trips should be well prepared and take a number of precautionary steps before leaving.

-hire an EPIRB from the Jindabyne or Tumut NPWS visitors centres

-ensure friends and relatives know exactly when and where you plan to end your journey and the route you propose to take so they can alert authorities in the event you get into difficulty and require assistance.

In the Australian Alps the weather can change very quickly bringing extreme conditions. With the possibility of heavy snowfalls and winds up to 150 km/h it is wrong for anyone to expect to be able to find a hut when there is an emergency.

In any emergency you need to be able to seek shelter by always having a tent, sleeping bag and warm and waterproof clothing. This requires proper planning, preparation, equipment and experience.

The Service has provided detailed information on which huts are now missing in a number of its own publications, on the NPWS website, signs have been erected at track heads and laminated maps have been posted in huts adjacent to destroyed huts.

More detailed information can be obtained by contacting the NPWS office at Jindabyne (02) 6450-5600, Tumut (02) 6947-7000 or Khancoban (02) 6076-9373

Destroyed or damaged huts in Kosciuszko National Park:

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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