Stanwell Creek ladder to climb up the cliffs

[paul8]

Anyone know the history of the ladder on Stanwell Creek in Illawarra Escarpment SCA ?

For example, who installed it ?
How was it installed? Helicopter? Brute-force carry?
What was its purpose ?
It is in a remote place, perfect as a short cut for us bushwalkers to climb up the cliff from Stanwell Creek ... but is that its purpose ?

Location of the ladder is described in map 2 in: http://mntviews.blogspot.com/2020/05/stanwell-creek-to-kellys-falls.html
(one of the blue arrows there)
Photos of the ladder are in #36 to #43 in the above link.

I have reproduced 2 of the photographs here:
It is a long ladder, obviously heavy. It wasn't something that can be installed by one or 2 people in such a remote place.

[clarence]

When the mines used the roads along the top there was fairly frequent access.

Back in the 70s there was a plan to build a conveyor system down Stony Creek (further south)- so lots of activity in the area along the plateau.

In the 90's the scrub along the top was very open, very easy going.

I strongly suspect the ladder was brought in from the trail along the top.

Over the years a few people have "gone bush" in the general area, and lived a bit of a hermit lifestyle. I personally know of one and heard of another. Some years ago now.

Clarence