Calls to permanently open historic tunnel in Sydney's Blue Mountains
The 134-year-old Lapstone Hill Tunnel was used to store munitions in World War II and later became a mushroom farm. Now there are calls to make it a link between two towns in the Lower Blue Mountains.
The Blue Mountains City Council is seeking $15 million in funding to permanently reopen a historic 134-year-old tunnel connecting Lapstone and Glenbrook towns. Mayor Mark Greenhill emphasizes that the council's lease on the state-owned tunnel expires this year, making timely funding crucial to prevent the work done from being wasted.
Originally built for a railway in 1892, the tunnel later served as a munitions storage site during World War II and even briefly functioned as a mushroom farm. Though it was closed in 1913 due to its steep incline, the tunnel recently drew large crowds during open days, with Mayor Greenhill describing it as a "missing link" for a safer cycling route between the Lower Blue Mountains and Western Sydney.
The council invested $4 million from a state grant for cleanup and lighting, but additional funding is needed for parking and access. Mayor Greenhill urges government partnerships to preserve this piece of Australia's history, highlighting the tunnel's potential to boost local identity and provide a safer alternative to the Great Western Highway.
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