Federal Member for Page, Kevin Hogan, has interpreted the NSW Government's announcement two weeks ago that the long-awaited reopening of Mount Warning/Wollumbin will happen in July 2027.

NSW Minister for the Environment, Penny Sharpe, extended the closure until 30 June 2027, 'with a view to reopening the summit once practical safety and culturally appropriate options are resolved'.

Federal Member for Page, Kevin Hogan, said the announcement is welcome news for the local community, tourism operators and Aboriginal Elders who have been locked out of the mountain for far too long.

“This is great news for our region,” Mr Hogan said. “Mount Warning/Wollumbin has been closed for years. Before that, it attracted more than 100,000 hikers every year and was a major driver of local tourism.”

“The closure has hurt local businesses and accommodation providers, and it has also prevented access for Aboriginal Elders. Reopening the mountain is an important step forward.”

Last year, Mr Hogan joined Cr Kimberly Hone and respected Aboriginal Elder Sturt Boyd to publicly call for the mountain to be reopened, warning that the ongoing closure was damaging both the local economy and cultural access.

“We’ve been advocating strongly for a sensible, respectful way forward that recognises Wollumbin’s cultural significance, while also restoring sustainable tourism for our region.”

“This will restart tourism trade, support local jobs, and ensure Aboriginal Elders can once again access this culturally significant site,” he said.

The NSW Government closed the Mount Warning/Wollumbin summit track during the pandemic in March 2020 to address public safety risks and allow for consultation with the Aboriginal community and other stakeholders about future management of the site.

On December 29, Minister Sharpe said, "Over the past year, I continued constructive discussions with a wide range of stakeholders, including user groups, councils, the Wollumbin Consultative Group and other community members. These conversations highlighted Wollumbin’s significance to Aboriginal communities and the wider public.

"I understand extending the temporary closure will disappoint some visitors. However, a number of practical challenges – such as ensuring safe access – must still be addressed.

"The additional time will help us create a clear plan for the future of this special place that respects cultural responsibilities and safeguards visitor safety."