Telstra Hill, located just to the east of Mount Isa in the Cloncurry direction on the Barkly Highway, has long been a hot-spot for walkers, or photographers looking for spectacular views of the city.

But access has been restricted recently with the gates locked at the bottom of the hill.

A Telstra spokesman says the company is aware that Telstra Hill is a popular walking and  cycling track that  offers great views of the town and surrounding areas.

“However, the road is actually an easement to enable Telstra to access its land at the top of the hill. As such it is not available for public use,” the Telstra spokesman said.

“For public safety, there has been a gate at the bottom of the hill for a number of years which is kept locked

“However, there have been a number of incidents where the locks and chains on the gate have been cut or the gates and fence torn down, which has provided unauthorised access to Telstra’s land.

“It has long been our suggestion that the community of Mt Isa   engage with the pastoral leaseholder and Qld DERM to provide a walking track/separate access road and viewing area that is separate and away from the Telstra access easement.”