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🇦🇺 Australia /Culture & Society

Calls to permanently open historic tunnel in Sydney's Blue Mountains

From ABC Australia · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Blue Mountains City Council seeks $15 million to permanently reopen the historic 134-year-old Lapstone Hill Tunnel.
  • The tunnel, previously used for railways, munitions storage, and mushroom farming, drew large crowds during recent open days.
  • Council fears the tunnel will be locked away again if funding isn't secured by year-end when the temporary lease expires.

The Blue Mountains City Council is pushing for the permanent reopening of the historic Lapstone Hill Tunnel, a 134-year-old structure that has captured public imagination. The council is seeking $15 million in funding to transform the tunnel into a permanent tourist attraction and walking route, following its immense popularity during recent open days.

What we're seeking is partnership from the other levels of government so that this really amazing piece of Australia's history can be opened up permanently.

— Mayor Mark GreenhillHighlighting the need for intergovernmental cooperation to fund the tunnel's permanent opening.

Originally built in 1892 for a railway line, the tunnel has a varied past, having served as a storage site for munitions and mustard gas during World War II and even as a mushroom farm. The council has already invested $4 million from a state government grant to clean the tunnel and install lighting, making it accessible for visitors. Mayor Mark Greenhill highlighted the tunnel's historical significance, describing it as "like walking back in time to another era."

It is like walking back in time to another era.

— Mayor Mark GreenhillDescribing the historical experience of being inside the tunnel.

However, significant challenges remain. The council requires additional funding for essential infrastructure, including car parking and safe access points. Mayor Greenhill is actively seeking partnerships with other levels of government to secure the necessary funds. A pressing concern is the temporary lease on the state-owned site, which is set to expire by the end of the year. "My fear is this, if we don't get some funding by the end of the year, the license will finish. All the work we've done will be for naught," Greenhill stated, emphasizing the risk of the tunnel being inaccessible once more.

My fear is this, if we don't get some funding by the end of the year, the license will finish. All the work we've done will be for naught.

— Mayor Mark GreenhillExpressing concern about the tunnel being permanently closed again if funding is not secured.

Beyond tourism, the council argues that a permanently open tunnel would offer a safer cycling route, diverting cyclists from the busy Great Western Highway. Locals have strongly supported the initiative. Lapstone resident David Watson, who has campaigned for the tunnel's opening since 2012, called it a "missing link" for cyclists and walkers. Michele Corin, another local, noted the tunnel's ability to "bring people together, strengthen local identity and showcase the heritage that shaped our region."

This would be a perfect thing for people to walk through with their dogs or their kids and for push bikes to ride through.

— David WatsonLocal resident advocating for the tunnel's opening as a recreational space.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Australia. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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