29 Jun 2012

  Gibraltar Peak trail contractor wins award

Released 06/07/2012

Regional Manager, National Parks and Catchments, Parks and Conservation Service, Stephen Alegria, today congratulated local company Makin Trax for winning one of the Master Builders Award for Excellence at the recent Master Builders and Boral Excellence in Building Awards.

Makin Trax, track development specialists, constructed the Gibraltar Peak Trail in Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve which was opened to the public for use in April 2012.

“I’d like to congratulate Makin Trax for their success in the construction of the Gibraltar Peak walking trail, which has now been recognised by the construction industry at the Master Builders Awards,” Mr Alegria said.

“Makin Trax not only won the ‘Subcontractor – Best Practices Award’, they were also finalists for the ‘Excellence in Environmental Practices’ award category.

“Makin Trax took on the highly complex construction exercise of creating the new Gibraltar Peak trail which takes walkers on a scenic 8 kilometre return trek. The trail provides a route to Gibraltar Peak, through the valley floor and across mountain saddles, to the distinctive rocky outcrop that provides some of the best views in Canberra.

“Constrained by access and strict environmental and cultural conditions, Makin Trax ensured each stage of construction was meticulously planned. The trail has been designed using sustainable principles that reduce the amount of maintenance and erosion. Steps forming part of the trail were sourced from material onsite ensuring they are in keeping with the surrounding landscape.

“Makin Trax’s expertise and experience in the construction of tracks and trails across Australia allowed them to provide positive suggestions and changes to the trail alignment including the construction of the viewing platform near the summit. From this platform, walkers can take in panoramic views to the north across the Paddys River valley to the Canberra urban area and beyond.”

Mr Alegria said the Gibraltar Peak trail has been hugely popular with walkers since it opened in April 2012.