Emergency services reviewing options to keep hikers safe on Bluff Knoll after injured hiker rescued on Sunday

Police say measures to keep hikers safe in the Stirling Range will be put under review following a rescue of two hikers from Bluff Knoll on Sunday after the pair spent more than 24 hours on the mountain. Gnowangerup officer Sgt Todd D’Souza told reporters on Monday that police, emergency services and the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions were reviewing the best options to lower the number of rescues on Bluff Knoll. He said despite the spate of rescue operations both at Bluff Knoll and further across the Great Southern in recent weeks, finding a solution was “not a quick fix” due to the destination’s popularity. “The main thing we’re doing now is a complete review in relation to our emergency response, and what we need to do is make sure that all players in part of the emergency area management side of things across this whole region are putting mitigation measures in place before we go down to looking at any action in particular,” he said. “I think once we’ve got that in play properly, you will see a change over time.” Emergency services were called to Bluff Knoll at about 6.30pm on Saturday night to rescue a male hiker who had slipped and injured his leg near the summit of the popular hiking track. Police made contact with the injured hiker and his female partner on Saturday night, however rescue efforts were suspended due to dangerous weather. The two hikers advised police they had adequate supplies and equipment to camp the night on the mountain, and the rescue operation resumed on Sunday morning. The pair were recovered from Bluff Knoll at about 9.20pm on Sunday night, with the man transferred to Albany Health Campus for treatment. Sgt D’Souza said the hikers rescued on Sunday were well-prepared with extra clothes, water, and personal locator beacons, which helped emergency services to locate them. “We ask people to prepare, plan and ensure that they are fully equipped to meet the changes that could happen overnight or even throughout the day, and to make sure you notify someone where you’re going and what your due time of return is,” he said.