It will take three to six months to fully repair the landslip that has closed Jamberoo Mountain Road between Misty Lane (just past the Abbey) and the Barren Grounds picnic ground turnoff.

Heavy rainfall at the end of July significantly damaged the road structure across both lanes.

“Council has applied to the NSW Government for natural disaster funding to finance the full rectification of the damage to Jamberoo Mountain Road,” says Mike Dowd, Council’s Director Engineering & Works.

When announcing the closure, Council said, “Jamberoo Mountain Road has geotechnical issues due to the steep terrain, rainforest environment and loose soil structure.

“We have been addressing this through maintenance and construction work.

“The area of the landslip is particularly problematic as it is close to a natural gully.

“The recent heavy rain scoured the soil under the road, and caused the failure of a retaining wall.”

Apart from the issue the closure is causing for residents and frequent users, the road is part of the route of the L’Etape Australia cycling Race at the end of November, due to attract 4,500 entrants.

It is understood the organisers are exploring alternative routes, and they are expected to make an announcement shortly.

Access to Minnamurra Rainforest, Jamberoo Resort and the Abbey is not affected by the closure. Macquarie Pass is the detour route.