"We never lost a train," Williams would say with a straight-face. Planes, on the other hand, are developing a nasty habit of going off the radar. So people should take comfort that on a remote, often icy and inhospitable peak in the Brindabella Mountains above Canberra sits Mount Ginini air navigation facility, which has never lost a plane.

AirServices Australia's A-framed alpine hut supports a microwave link which carries audio from Melbourne air traffic controllers, via the Mount Majura network to pilots and their passengers flying between Sydney and Melbourne. It is Australia's busiest route, and one of the world's busiest too.

Forty four years ago in a Commonwealth Government report the aviation outpost was described as a "disruptive element" to plans for a snow resort in the ACT. One snowy winter traffic counts recorded 500 vehicles, accounting for about 2000 people despite the treacherous road access. After studying five places, Mount Franklin, Little Ginini, Mount Ginini, Mount Gingera and Mt Bimberi, the report recommended Mount Ginini, where long ski runs could be cleared for beginners and advanced skiers.

The report said the area drained into Cotter water catchment area, and held potential for nature study in summer because of the small scale eco-systems including a unique sphagnum moss areas of considerable botanical and entomological interests. "This area is also an excellent jump off point for walkers into the Cotter and the Goodradigbee River areas and Kosciuszko National Park. Before then, in the 1940s, the Royal Military College at Duntroon had a ski lodge on Mount Ginini which was demolished later to help preserve the Cotter water supply.

Bushwalkers inspired by the magnificent views from 1763m above sea level, soaring eagles and rare fauna are no doubt grateful the 1971 resort recommendation and associated roadworks and sewage treatment never got off the ground.

Air Services level three technical officer Rod Newman who dug out that history, has photographed Telstra Tower on Black Mountain from the steps of the hut which rise to the second level of the building to allow access in times of heavy snow. Mr Newman says the access gates have three hights, each applied to secure the facility depending on the depth of heavy snow falls, otherwise intruders could stroll over the snow and fence barrier.

If bushwalkers ever did get into difficulty, emergency food rations are stowed in the hut. Be warned though, the place is wired with alarms and monitors, as are all aviation towers across Australia. "We know instantly when Ginini has an intruder," says Newman. While the facility built in 1965 is not manned around the clock, five electricians, two mechanics, an air conditioning specialist, six radio technicians and their manager and a linesman, all based in Canberra, are regularly going to and from Mount Ginini maintaining microwave generators, solving interference and antenna issues.

A main generator and a standby run 24 hours a day, fuelled with alpine diesel held in newly installed, 20,000 litres of fuel. The generators are serviced every three weeks. On major work assignments work crews use bunk beds, kitchen and a shower for overnight stays.

On a comfortable flight across the southern parts of Australia, when you hear the plane's pilot announce what sort of approach you can expect into Melbourne Airport, and the temperature on the ground, the information is coming via Mount Ginini. No matter how thick or bleak the weather is below, that information keeps coming. Porsche engine-powered snowtractors are hauled into the mountains to clear the road so technicians can keep the lines of communication open. "If there is a facility failure it has to be fixed within eight hours, you have no choice but to go. A snowcat is put on a trailer and taken to Mount Franklin car park," says Newman.

Ambulance, NSW Fire Service, Canberra Region Amateur Radio Club, ACT Emergency Services, Office of Environment and Heritage and NSW Government telecommunication authority also have equipment at Mount Ginini. From Canberra it is a winding, two hour drive up on a narrow road to the Mount Ginini summit.

"I did complain once, 'geez I have to go up there in this Godforsaken country to fix this'," says Newman. "Then I thought about it and, well, people would pay to do this. I've got a V8 LandCruiser to go up there in the snow. It is something of a challenge and good fun some times."