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Gnaraloo-Warroora coastal 4WD track to remain closed until water levels subside

Phoebe PinMidwest Times
The Gnaraloo-Warroora coastal track has been flooded.
Camera IconThe Gnaraloo-Warroora coastal track has been flooded. Credit: Shire of Carnarvon

A Gascoyne coastal 4WD track made unsafe by heavy rains in April could be closed for another three months due to motorist safety concerns.

The Shire of Carnarvon closed the Gnaraloo-Warroora coastal track last month after the sand bar at the Amherst Point lagoon breached, allowing the normally dry creek bed to fill with water.

A recent inspection revealed the sandbar has started to re-establish, but water levels are still preventing vehicles from safely navigating the track.

Shire officers had considered partially opening the track up until the flooded section, but there were concerns this would put motorists who attempted the water crossing at risk of becoming stranded or sustaining serious vehicle damage.

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Another concern was motorists would seek alternative routes outside the road reserve through the natural reserve, causing damage to protected vegetation and dune areas.

Council was on Tuesday expected to consider a proposal to keep the entire track closed for no more than three months to allow water levels to subside.

The track would be inspected at least once a month to monitor progress.

Council was advised it was possible the sandbar would not re-establish, leaving the track inundated with water. But this was deemed unlikely due to the existing evidence of the sandbar building in height.

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