Bushfire Update

As you will have heard, several bushfires are currently burning in the south west in the vicinity of the Track. Despite the amazing efforts of the fire fighters including volunteers, Parks and Wildlife staff and DFES fire fighters, we understand that a number of Bibbulmun Track campsites and a significant amount of infrastructure has been affected by the fires.

I would like to assure all our members that the Foundation will work tirelessly to support Parks and Wildlife in getting the Bibbulmun Track back in working order in the future. We will need everyone to pull together to help get the Track open again and up to the world class standard we expect. We may be calling upon our members and volunteers to help in this regard.  These fires are not yet under control so more damage is likely.

Local businesses along the Track will need walkers to visit to help in the rebuilding, your business will be vital to their survival.

The Foundation is in the process of talking to those international visitors that have advised us of their intent to walk this season to advise them of the possible changes to the Track. If you are considering doing an end-to-end in 2015 you will need to put your plans on hold for the moment.

In the meantime, it is imperative that people do not head out onto the Track on any section and if they are out on the Track that they leave as soon as they are able.  These fires remain unpredictable and the sections of Track which are currently open may close at any time.  Fire and emergency services are stretched to the limit and we do not wish to increase their burden if any other emergency situations arise.

Our thoughts and best wishes are with the fire fighters and the people who live in the regions affected by these unprecedented blazes.

See more detail below.

Regards

Mike Wood, Chairman, and the BTF team

Currently the following sections are closed and there are no diversions or alternative routes:

• A bushfire in the Helena National Park near the Brookton Hwy has closed the Track from Dale Rd through to Randall Rd. This includes Mt Dale, Brookton and Canning Campsites and they are therefore also closed.

• Two bushfires burning out of control between Dwellingup and Collie have severely affected the Track. The Track is closed between these towns.

• The Northcliffe fire has forced the closure of the Track from Pemberton to Walpole.

The corresponding campsites which are currently CLOSED due to bushfire activity are:

Helena National Park - Mt Dale, Brookton and Canning.

Dwellingup / Lower Hotham / Collie - Swamp Oak, Murray, Dookanelly, Possum Springs, Yourdamung and Harris Dam.

Pemberton / Northcliffe / Walpole - Warren, Schafer, Gardner, Lake Maringup, Dog Pool, Mt Chance, Woolbales, Long Point and Mt Clare.

For up to date information about the Track visit the Realignments/Diversions tab in the relevant Section By Section Guide on our website.

For more information on fire behaviour, impacts on lives and property visit the DFES website.