Lake Street Shared Path is open and proving to be a popular and safe off-road access alternative along Lake Street in Merimbula
Work is complete on the Lake Street Shared Path in Merimbula and residents and visitors are invited to try out the new path and experience the breathtaking views from the new lookout.
Member for Bega, Andrew Constance said the new $3.7 million, 900-metre path, which runs alongside Lake Street from the intersection of Main and Cliff streets to the Bar Beach entrance, was a much anticipated and very welcome addition to Merimbula's community infrastructure and amenities.
"It's a fantastic asset for our community and visitors to the area," Mr Constance said.
"The views from the path are breathtaking and I know this walk will very quickly become one of Merimbula's iconic attractions.
"Pedestrians, joggers, parents with prams, cyclists and those with disability and mobility devices now have a safe off-road alternative along Lake Street.
"Not only will residents across the shire be able to enjoy the walk and views, but so will visitors to the area who can try it out over the upcoming school holidays."
Council's Project Manager, Sam Watson said the path will significantly improve accessibility for people with limited mobility, pram users and young children, thanks to the vision of local community members.
"The path is the result of several years of community consultation and design and started originally as a community project proposal put together by the Bureau of Accessible Tourism (BOAT) group," Mr Watson said.
"This has been a community-led initiative driven by the passionate people from BOAT who have actively engaged with Council throughout the life of the project."
Mr Watson said one of the key outcomes for the project was to make Merimbula a more access friendly place for all residents and visitors to the area, aligning with Council's accessibility objectives described in its Delivery Program and Operational Plan.
He said Rotary Park and Bar Beach are culturally important places to the local Aboriginal community and the design of any future pathway connections in this area will need to take this into consideration.
The Lake Street Shared Path was funded through a NSW Government Active Transport Grant.
