What began as a presentation from local students is now moving into the next stage, with funding secured to investigate safer walking and cycling connections through South Kempsey.
Inspired by a vision presented to councillors by student leaders from Kempsey Adventist School, the project will explore opportunities to improve connections between the school, nearby neighbourhoods and key community destinations.
Funding received through the NSW Government’s Get NSW Active program will support the development of a master plan to improve walking and cycling connections between South Kempsey and Crescent Head. This includes flood studies, detailed surveys, a Review of Environmental Factors, drainage and lighting plans, and detailed designs for key focus areas around Kempsey Adventist School, Rudders Lagoon and the intersection of Lachlan Street and Angus McNeil Crescent. More than $750,000 has been secured to undertake this work.
The NSW Government’s Get NSW Active program supports projects that make walking and riding safer and more convenient, helping create healthier communities, safer journeys to school, and better connections through improvements such as footpaths, crossings, bike paths and shared paths.
Mayor Kinne Ring said the funding demonstrates what can be achieved when Council and the community work together.
“When the students presented their ideas to councillors, they spoke about making it safer and easier for people to walk and ride through South Kempsey,” Mayor Ring said.
“They shared a vision for better connections within the community, and it’s fantastic to see those ideas help secure funding to investigate how it could be achieved.”
“This project is about improving safety, supporting active lifestyles and creating better connections to the places people use every day.”
Acting Chief Executive Officer Daniel Thoroughgood said the project will help Council better understand opportunities to improve active transport connections in the area.
“This funding allows Council to complete the planning, investigations and design work needed to develop a well-informed concept for the project,” Mr Thoroughgood said.
“Master planning and concept design are important steps in understanding opportunities, constraints and costs, and help position Council to pursue future funding opportunities should the project progress.”
The project is fully funded through the NSW Government’s Get NSW Active program.
