Blue Mountains City Councillors this week voted to seek State and Federal Government support to bring the historic Lapstone Hill Tunnel back into public use.
Lapstone Hill Tunnel (also known as Glenbrook Tunnel) is a state heritage-listed railway tunnel on the former Main Western Line.
It was built from 1891-1892 and was previously used in World War II to store mustard gas and later as a mushroom farm.
The state-owned tunnel is a significant historic structure with great potential for adaptive re-use and to contribute to the economy, visitor experience and liveability of the lower mountains.
Blue Mountains Mayor Mark Greenhill said urgent funding is needed to remediate and revitalise the tunnel precinct so it can be accessed by the public.
“Council has undertaken extensive remedial works on the tunnel including the remediation of 1700 tonnes of waste and 1200 tonnes of sediment, contamination management and overgrowth of vegetation,” Greenhill said.
“But a substantial program of works remains unfunded. Without this investment, visitors and locals will not have the opportunity to explore and enjoy this significant part of our local heritage.”
Council hosted an open weekend at the tunnel in December which was attended by more than 1,500 people from across the Blue Mountains and beyond.
“Councillors want to see this precinct open and accessible to the public as a matter of priority, and we call on State and Federal Governments to contribute,” Greenhill said.
Troy has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia's leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.