The first sod has been turned on a new multi-million dollar shared pathway today, that will connect Mannering Park, Kingfisher Shores and Chain Valley Bay and enhance local cycling and walking in the region.
More than half the $12.7 million was funded by the Albanese Labor Government in an election commitment, which is now being delivered.
The new two and half-metre-wide shared pathway will extend along the Lake Macquarie foreshore from Griffith Street in Mannering Park and provide the missing link between Mannering Park, Kingfisher Shores and Chain Valley Bay. It will also integrate with existing pathways across the northern Central Coast, providing the local community with a safe, accessible route for walking and cycling.
The project will improve access to schools, shops, parks and recreational areas, providing safer travel options and encouraging more people to walk and cycle. By connecting to the existing shared pathway network, it is expected to attract significant use from both commuters and recreational users.
The Australian Government has committed $7 million towards the $12.7 million project through the Priority Community Infrastructure Program, with Central Coast Council contributing the remaining $5.7 million.
Quotes attributable to Hon Pat Conroy MP, Federal Member for Shortland
“The Mannering Park shared pathway will make a real difference for our community for years to come. It will help connect people across the northern Central Coast by providing a safe, accessible and convenient way for people to travel, making it easier to get around our region.
“I would like to thank everyone who has advocated for this pathway, particularly the Mannering Park Precinct Committee, the Mannering Park Progress Association, the Chain Valley Bay Progress Association and the Mannering Park Tidy Towns, for their passionate advocacy and commitment to seeing this important project delivered. I still remember first speaking with locals about how important this pathway would be for our community. I’m proud to have advocated alongside them to help deliver this important project.
“The Albanese Labor Government has committed $7 million to help make this long-awaited project a reality. Working together with Central Coast Council to deliver this critical piece of infrastructure demonstrates what can be achieved when local and federal governments work together with the community to deliver for the Central Coast.”
Quotes attributable to Hon Catherine King MP, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government
“This is a really welcome investment that will transform this corner of Lake Macquarie’s foreshore into a key walking and cycling connection between Mannering Park and Chain Valley Bay.
“It will give people the option to leave the car at home, enjoy the fresh air and the wind in their hair next to the lake.
“We know these investments are important, which is why we recently announced the Albanese Government is investing $50 million in new active transport links every year, for the next 10 years – so more communities can see the benefit of investments just like this one.”
Quotes attributable to Mayor Lawrie McKinna, Mayor of the Central Coast
“This important project will create a safe and scenic link between Mannering Park, Kingfisher Shores and Chain Valley Bay, making it easier for residents of all ages to walk and cycle to schools, shops, parks and recreational spaces while encouraging healthy, active lifestyles.
“We are grateful to the Australian Government for its $7 million contribution to this transformative project. Together with Council’s investment, I believe this shared pathway will leave a lasting legacy, bringing our communities closer together for generations to come.”
Quotes attributable to Cr Helen Crowley, Central Coast Councillor
“I’m absolutely delighted to have attended the turning of the first sod on the new Mannering Park to Kingfisher Shores with Pat Conroy MP and other officials and residents. I also want to thank the Federal Government for the very generous funding along with Central Coast Council funding to make this possible.
“It’s an important addition to the local environment for the environmental health and beauty of the local area. I know everyone is going to thoroughly enjoy this for many years to come.”
