Old Settlers Rd, Yengo National Park, temporarily closed by neighbours

Just to inform everyone the Old Settlers Road (Convict Road) in Yengo National Park (NSW) has been closed by the property owners at Paynes Crossing (just north of Wollombi). The road is a public road running thru Yengo National Park (excluded from National Park) - the road is therefore the responsibility of Cessnock Shire Council, National Parks have assist in maintaining the section of the road that passes thru the park even though they are not truely responsible for it. There is concerns by the property owners that damage is occurring to their land as the road does not eactly follow the true road reserve and that Council does not want anything to do with the road. As a result the property owners have to put up with damage to their access roads as this road is becomming extremely popular with the 4WDers. The Paynes Crossing end has a water depth of atleast headlight level and over and the neighbours are fed up with pulling people out to add to their concerns. Anyway chains have been erected by the locals at the crossing to stop access. National Parks have sign posted the Putty Road end saying that it is a no thru road at present. If we want to see this trail open all the way thru then I can only say write to Cessnock Council and ask for them to maintain the road as it is a major attraction for the area. Otherwise the neighbours will not permit access out the Paynes Crossing end. National parks are still permitting access in from the Putty Rd except there is no way out at Paynes Crossing.Cheers, Beddo
Surf KZN185
<- Yengo NP, Central Coast NSW