Jenolan Caves has been partly reopened to the public after the popular tourist landmark suffered extensive damage during recent bushfires.
Minister for the Environment, Matt Kean said that while the fires had destroyed three buildings and the Jenolan Caves Bushfire Brigade fire shed, the heritage-listed Jenolan Caves House had survived.
“Among the tales of tragedy and destruction caused by the fires across Australia, it is a relief to find that most of the renowned caves precinct has been saved,” Mr Kean said.
“The dedication of all the fire crews prevented damage to the Caves House and other significant heritage buildings,” he said.
“Caves staff have worked hard to re-open the caves just a month after the fires.”
Mr Kean said it was thanks to the outstanding efforts of National Parks and Wildlife Services, Rural Fire Service, Fire and Rescue NSW and Jenolan Caves Reserve Trust staff that the caves were re-opened.
Jenolan Caves Trust Director, Jodie Anderson said the hotel and hospitality services at the heritage-listed Caves House, Caves Café, Chisolm’s Restaurant and seven of the spectacular caves were also now open.
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads and Member for Bathurst, Paul Toole said road crews had worked tirelessly to reopen part of Jenolan Caves Road to support the popular tourist destination.
