Maianbar residents will still have access to the walking trail to Bundeena while Sydney Water upgrades a bridge and water main on the trail between the two villages, said Heathcote MP Paul Mcleay.
Originally the trail was due to be closed by Sydney Water until mid 2008, with the exception of Sundays and public holidays. However, intervention from Paul Mcleay on behalf of residents has meant that the footbridge and trail will remain open. Sydney Water workers will be responsible for helping pedestrians across while work is in progress.
Local residents had every reason to be concerned as the closure of the trail and footbridge would have been disastrous for those residents of Maianbar whose only access to Bundeena shops and transport is the footbridge. Also, students who have extra curricular activities and rely on bus services would have been left stranded in Bundeena as they would not have been able to meet the last school bus to Maianbar.
Most of the community in Maianbar is quite elderly and a lot of them use the trail for access to the chemist in Bundeena. Closing the track would have meant residents without a car would not have been able to access services in Bundeena until next year
Mr McLeay said early action has ensured there will be minimal effect on residents during the works and Maianbar and Bundeena will be able to enjoy a comfortable and safe walk across the creek in the future.
A Sydney Water spokesman said the company needed to repair the only water main that supplies Bundeena.
The Great Australian Bush Walk
Many residents escaped the inconvenience of APEC and the hassles of traffic congestion by taking part in The Great Australian Bush Walk over the weekend. The walk once again proved to be a huge success with many enjoying the wonders of our native wildlife and fauna.
The national event itself is about encouraging and motivating people to get out and travel through our national parks and explore the local parklands, all for free.
The Royal National Park walk started from Waterfall Station through to Uloola Falls and Karloo Pools to Heathcote Station. Walkers were able to see native waratahs beginning to flower, whilst taking in the beautiful waterfall scenery. Birds were aplenty due to the mating season and there was also a reported sighting of an echidna.
RPA for SSOL Profiler
Mick Conroy, who featured in one of our profiles earlier this year, severed his thumb on his right hand two weeks ago. He was rushed to RPA Hospital where they performed immediate microsurgery to re-attach his thumb to his hand.
All reports are that surgery was successful and he should gain the full use of his thumb after the recovery period. RPA filmed the whole process from the time he arrived, the surgery itself and his recovery period. It is due to be shown on television in February of next year.
We wish him a speedy recovery and trust he will soon be back at work. | 
