The Hon Catherine King MP
Welcome upgrades highlight scenic beauty of Blue Mountains
The new Lapstone Zig Zag Track and Top Points Lookout in the lower Blue Mountains has now officially opened, making significant heritage features more accessible.
Blue Mountains Mayor Cr Mark Greenhill, Federal Member for Macquarie Susan Templeman and State Member for Blue Mountains Trish Doyle opened the upgraded area.
The upgrades to Lapstone Zig Zag and Top Points Lookout transformed the top length of Lapstone Zig Zag into an accessible, shared, 900-metre-long asphalt pathway that extends to Top Points Lookout.
The project also delivered an accessible, elevated platform at Top Points Lookout at the northern end of the pathway, which provides views over the Cumberland Plains.
Other improvements include a dedicated parking area in the Knapsack Street cul-de-sac providing five angled parking spaces, which includes two accessible parking spaces; improved landscaping next to the parking area and track-head, including a small rain garden for stormwater treatment; and seating at intervals along the pathway.
The Lapstone Zig Zag and Top Points Lookout accessibility upgrades are the latest in a series of improvements made to sites across the Scenic Eastern Escarpment and in Knapsack Reserve, including Marges and Elizabeth Lookouts, Elizabeth Lookout Track to Knapsack Bridge, Marges Lookout Track to Lennox Bridge, and Lovers Walk to Mitchells Pass (Whitton Memorial Place).
The work is part of the $2 million upgrade made to almost two-and-a-half kilometres of walking tracks along the Scenic Eastern Escarpment, funded under the Western Parkland City Liveability Program. This includes Council’s contribution of $535,000.
The Australian and New South Wales governments each provided over $800,000 for the project.
Quotes attributable to Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:
“I am delighted to see the upgrades at the Lapstone Zig Zag Shared Path and Top Points Lookout completed, as part of our partnership with the NSW Government and Western Parkland City councils.
“The work completed here will ensure that the spectacular natural beauty of this area can be more easily experienced by locals and visitors alike.”
Quotes attributable to NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully:
“The $1.62 million joint-funded State and Federal Government project through the Western Sydney City Deal has restored and enhanced this historic iconic walking track.
“It’s great to see this track now fully restored and reopened to the public, so community members can access the full length of the two-kilometre track from start to finish.
“This investment will encourage people of all ages and abilities to get outside and enjoy the natural environment, whilst also providing a valuable tourism and economic boost for the Blue Mountains’ economy.”
Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Macquarie Susan Templeman:
“It’s wonderful to see the result of a well-thought through project to improve access to one of our lovely natural and historic spots in the lower Mountains.
“These upgrades to the Zig Zag Track and Top Points Lookout will ensure the Blue Mountains remains both a top attraction for tourists and an enjoyable place to live for locals.”
Quote attributable to NSW Member for the Blue Mountains Trish Doyle:
“I am thrilled the NSW Government is continuing to invest in open space projects in the Blue Mountains which celebrate and increase awareness of the site’s cultural history.”
Quotes attributable to Blue Mountains Mayor Cr Mark Greenhill:
“While the community has already had some time to enjoy the new accessibility upgrades, this official opening is a fitting acknowledgement and recognition of the work that’s been achieved.
“I’m pleased that the upgrades to the track and lookout have been so well received by the community. But most importantly we’ve already seen many people with mobility issues take the opportunity to visit and enjoy the experience, as well as families.
“This is the first accessible bushland track in the lower Mountains, which positions it as a great destination, not only for residents of the Blue Mountains, but those from Penrith, its surrounding suburbs and beyond.
“And if you’re a visitor to the Blue Mountains, don’t forget the Zig Zag Track is just a stone’s throw from the vibrant Glenbrook Village Centre’s inviting mix of specialty stores and cafés. It’s a great spot to start your day exploring what our community has to offer.”