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Canberra Today 20°/24° | Friday, March 29, 2024 | Digital Edition | Crossword & Sudoku

Mount Franklin chalet heritage project complete

PARKS and Conservation Service ranger Brandon Galpin says work is now complete on a heritage project at the site of the old Mount Franklin Chalet to give visitors a chance to explore the history and culture of the chalet and its importance to the ACT.

“The Mount Franklin Chalet Heritage Grant Project included the construction of a ‘Memorial Pad’ to show what the original chalet looked like before it was destroyed in the 2003 bushfires,” Brandon said.

“The Memorial Pad includes the construction of a hardwood border to show the layout of the original chalet. The pad itself is made from Paddy’s River crushed granite, giving it lovely light terracotta colours.

“Some of the original chalet furnishings have been installed onto the Memorial Pad, including the wood heater from the drying room and the old wood oven. The Memorial Pad stands close to the new Mount Franklin Visitor Shelter, which offers a lovely place to sit and have a picnic and enjoy the area.

“The Mount Franklin Chalet was opened to the local skiing community in 1938 and it quickly became a popular place to visit during winter in Canberra. Sadly, the original chalet was destroyed in 2003.

“The work completed through this heritage grant will ensure the footprint of the chalet is protected while also giving visitors an impression of what the old chalet looked like and the importance it had to the people who used it.

“The heritage grant was awarded by ACT Heritage to the Canberra Alpine Club, who have been long time custodians of the site. The ACT Parks and Conservation Service managed and coordinated the project and facilitated the construction and installation works.

“The Mount Franklin Memorial Pad and Visitor Shelter offer a further location for visitors to experience in the northern region of Namadgi National Park and we hope they attract more people to explore and enjoy the region.”

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