The first stage of the multi-million dollar Katherine hot springs project is finished.
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Despite a ring of construction fencing and warning signs, the first stage is complete and the new pathway and stairs are now open for public use.
There were many people down at Katherine’s most popular free attraction today enjoying the relief from the hot build-up weather, including a group of backpackers from France and Canada.
The only pity about the completion of the first stage is that it has come near the end of the season when the springs are closed during the high river.
The popular Pop Rocket cafe has already gone for the season.
Stage Two of the “Hot Springs Revitalisation project” is currently under consultation and will start next year after the wet season.
Did you know the Gabian Rock Wall cages which are such a feature of the first stagge are estimated to last over 120 years.
A further $797,200 of funding for stage two has already been confirmed.
This stage of the project incorporates an innovatively themed playground that will add a significant new interest to the Alice Springs to Darwin and east-west tourist routes, whilst the emergency/ disabled road access will provide better access for differently abled tourists and locals as well as improved emergency services access.
The staged project has now been jointly funded by Tourism NT, The NT Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics, NT Department of Housing and Community (2015/16 Special Purpose Grants program), Rise (formerly JobFind), Federal Department of Infrastructure and Katherine Town Council.
The hot springs re-opened this year on April 22 after the wet season closure.