They say the steep dirt path is hazardous to residents and the many visitors.

The temporary path has been in place now for three years as it skirts the $2m rejuvenation project which continues to be plagued by delays.

Mayor Fay Miller this week revealed the long delayed works were now not expected to resume until after this year's "tourist season" in August.

"We are not planning on having a lot happen down there during the tourist season," she said.

"We don't want to interrupt as much as we can the business that's already there."

But residents are warning the temporary path "was an accident waiting to happen".

Besides the path being steep and unmade, most days it becomes slippery with dew in the mornings and sodden from people struggling back up the slope with with dripping wet clothes.

Comments made to the Katherine Times' Facebook page on the danger, plus the length of time the project has taken.

"It would be nice if the semi-permanent temporary access could be made a lot better than it currently is. It's slippery when it's wet. It's slippery when it's dry. Surely something can be done if we're going to keep the fence up for a 4th year," Adam Potter said.

"Will the 'temporary access' be fixed?" Stephanie Mouw asked.

Chief executive officer Rob Jennings told this week's Katherine Town Council meeting the paperwork for the release of tenders to finish the first stage and start the second was almost complete.

Mr Jennings said he expected the tenders would be advertised in the next few weeks and it would then take about four weeks for contractors to bid for the work.

Mayor Miller told the rates forum earlier in the month all the Hot Springs work would be completed this year.

The $2 million upgrade, when first announced in April, 2016 was initially to be completed by the end of that year although the scope of the project was expanded after the launch.

Almost $1 million was budgeted for the first stage of the project with most of the money funded by the NT Government.

The first stage involved the removal of trees and terracing on the main entrance bank to the Hot Springs and the installation of the gabion rock baskets.

The 2018 wet season caused "some erosion" in the lower gabion rock wall tier, the council discovered.

The second stage of the project involves a new playground at the top of the river bank, near the Pop Rocket Cafe.

The Katherine River stayed remarkably low this past wet season which hopefully saved the bank from any further damage.

A Katherine Town Council spokeswoman today said the safety of the track has been assessed.

"Preparation for implementing safety measures to assist with the temporary path has been discussed ... ".

"As previously communicated the works for the Hot Springs will begin in August, taking in consideration the peak tourist times and the Pop Rocket Café this was the best time to get the work done."

The spokeswoman said information on the safety measures would be advised next week.