Shellharbour City Council has adopted the Recreational Biking Facilities Location Feasibility Study, setting a clear plan for biking projects across the city.
The study is a strategic guide, ranking possible locations for biking projects to help Council's decision-making and support future funding applications.
Caption: Face-to-face workshop at Shellharbour Skate Park. Image courtesy of Shellharbour City Council.
Mayor Chris Homer said the adopted study reflects strong community interest in biking and helps Council plan for facilities that suit local needs.
"This study gives us a clear roadmap for where biking facilities could go and how each option stacks up," he said.
"We know how much our community loves getting outdoors, so we want to make sure we plan ahead to make those opportunities possible. By having a solid strategy, we can chase those grants and deliver projects that really fit with what residents want."
About the study:
- Community input shaped the plan - The study was developed with feedback from local residents, led by specialist consultants Common Ground Trails and supported by Council Staff. The study was open for community consultation from October to November 2024, attracting 358 responses through Council's Let's Chat page, face-to-face workshops and email submissions.
- Locations assessed and ranked - Eight sites were reviewed for future bike facilities and the study ranked potential locations for projects such as bike skills and pump tracks.
- Council resolution on key sites - on 28 October 2025, Council agreed to explore a local bike track at Deakin Reserve or the Kingston Street Precinct in Oak Flats. Kingston Street Park was prioritised because it is already part of a master planning process, while Deakin Reserve has land constraints requiring further environmental and cultural assessments.
- Strategic, not immediate construction - the endorsed study does not commit Council to building straight away. It sets a strong foundation for planning and funding applications, ensuring Council can act when opportunities arise.
Following the December 16 Council meeting, the top three priority sites endorsed included Kingston Street Precinct in Oak Flats, Pioneer Park in Shellharbour, and Con O'Keefe Oval in Albion Park.
Council will prioritise planning for Kingston Street Precinct as part of its master planning project and future capital works planning, while also investigating funding opportunities for the Pioneer Park and Con O'Keefe Oval facilities.
Read the full study on Council's Let's Chat page.
KEY MESSAGES:
- The study is a strategic plan, guiding decisions and supporting funding opportunities.
- Community feedback shaped the study, with 358 responses helping identify the most suitable locations.
- Kingston Street is the preferred site for the next stage of planning, with other options ranked for future opportunities.
