Port Macquarie-Hastings Council has hit the halfway mark in the renewal and widening of stage one of the Bicentennial Walkway with the northern section stretching from Town Green West to Fishermans Wharf now complete.
Made possible by funding provided by all three levels of Government, the project has delivered a continuous, five-metre wide pathway connecting the Port Macquarie CBD to the William Street Bridge.
Further works are scheduled for delivery along Kooloonbung Creek from the William Street Bridge to the Kooloonbung Nature Reserve. When complete, the $3.05 million project will span more than 550 metres, providing greater safety and accessibility for users by subverting pedestrians away from road crossings on both Buller and Gordon Streets.
Member for Cowper, Pat Conaghan, said he was proud to see the three levels of government working together to refresh and improve access to the impressive Port Macquarie shoreline.
"This is yet another example of the Commonwealth, State and Local Governments working cohesively to achieve the best outcomes for our region. I am fortunate to be able to partner with both Leslie and Peta on projects like this to ensure the right infrastructure is being planned and delivered for the Port Macquarie Community."
Member for Port Macquarie, Leslie Williams, said she was pleased the NSW and Commonwealth Governments have partnered to fund these works to enrich Port Macquarie's beautiful foreshore.
"We have all seen the huge number of people who walk along the riverbank on a daily basis to take in what is one of the most scenic vistas on the coast.
"I want to thank the members of the former Town Centre Masterplan Committee for having the vision and fortitude to develop a blueprint that is second to none in regional NSW," Mrs Williams said.
Port Macquarie Mayor Peta Pinson said the Port Macquarie waterfront was quickly transforming into one of the most eye-catching locations for locals living in and visitors holidaying to the mid-north coast.
"This project has really highlighted how we can better enhance the beauty of our natural assets through upgrades to the built environment," Cr Pinson said.
"When completed the new Bicentennial Walkway will provide a remarkable contrast to the footpath of old, giving a new lease of life to our waterfront businesses and providing visitors and locals with something to be truly proud of.
"Thank you to all involved. I can't wait to see the final project completed as it snakes it's way further down Kooloonbung Creek to the nature reserve."
Port Macquarie-Hastings Council Group Manager Community, Lucilla Marshall, said the walkway now allows for safer and smoother pedestrian movement along one of Port's most picturesque locations.
"This walkway upgrade could not have been possible without the support of the Commonwealth and NSW Governments, who combined have invested a total of $3.1 million toward the project, supported by the drive of Council and the former Town Centre Masterplan Committee" Ms Marshall said.
"It continues on from the terrific work already completely to parts of Town Green East, Town Green West, and is a wonderful indication of just how brilliant the full project will be once the southern section is completed around November."
The Town Green West to Fishermans Wharf upgrade included structural timber member replacement and scour rock replenishment to the seawall embankment.
These works were completed concurrently to the timber deck widening to prevent further closures or disruption to operators at a later date.
When fully complete the project will offer;
- Improved access through the foreshore reserve
- Improved connectivity to the foreshore – including a continuous walkway from Town Green West through to Kooloonbung Creek Nature Reserve
- Improved landscaping and irrigation coverage
- Consideration of Aboriginal and European heritage
- New lighting and improved seating
The Bicentennial Walkway - Stage 1 is being delivered local contractor, Building Heights Pty Ltd, and has been made possible due to the investment from the Commonwealth and NSW Governments through the Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund ($3.05 million).
Council contributed additional funding from the Town Centre Masterplan Fund, while the maintenance works for Town Wharf is being funded by Transport for NSW.
