At approximately 8 pm on Saturday 6th March a large chunk of the cliff on on the north face of Mt Lidgbird fell off. This rockfall was part of the natural process of decay of a volcanic island in which the columns in individual basalt flows collapse, usually following heavy rain, which allows water to seep into cracks around the columns and lubricate the columns so they give way. Tree roots can also play a part, creeping into the cracks between columns to lever them off.
The Lord Howe Island Board have closed the Goathouse track from Smoking Tree Ridge until a geotechnical assessment can be undertaken. Access is still available to Boat Harbour, Rocky Run and Intermediate Hill tracks.