The National Parks and Wildlife Service has defended its action in closing the Cape Solander whale watching platform, adjacent parking area and road access for four months just as the annual migration season starts.
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Many people have been critical of the closure while a new, stronger viewing platform is built.
A spokesman for NPWS said, "This site is popular year-round, not just the whale season, and visitor safety and contractor availability have been factors determining the project timelines".
"The NPWS apologies for any inconvenience however, expects people will appreciate the significantly upgraded facilities when complete later this year," he said.
"Walking tracks within the park remain open and there are still many sites within the Parks and along the coastline where people can view the whale migration."
A statement on the NPWS website says, in 2020, landscape architects Oculus were engaged to design "a new platform that meets the needs of the many thousands of whale watching visitors, will withstand the harsh corrosive environmental conditions and improve pedestrian access and safety."
"Construction is scheduled to commence in May 2021 [and] works will take approximately four months."
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Murray Trembath
St George and Sutherland Shire Leader reporter covering politics, urban affairs, council, development and general community news. Email: mtrembath@theleader.com.au
St George and Sutherland Shire Leader reporter covering politics, urban affairs, council, development and general community news. Email: mtrembath@theleader.com.au
