Fernleigh Track extension to ‘generate active leisure tourism’ for Lake Macquarie
A $7.4 million funding boost from the NSW government will see a 3.5km shared pathway link the Fernleigh Track with Blacksmith’s Beach to bolster this region’s reputation as a tourism destination.
Newcastle
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Major cycling and community events are on the cards for Lake Macquarie with news the iconic Fernleigh Track will be extended to fill in a missing link.
Thanks to a $7.4 million boost from the NSW government, Lake Macquarie Council will build a 3.5km shared pathway linking the track with Blacksmith’s Beach, creating a continuous 27km walking and cycling route stretching from Murrays Beach to Adamstown.
“It will showcase our city, generate active leisure tourism and help promote healthy lifestyles in the local community,” Mayor Kay Fraser said.
“More than 200,000 people already use the Fernleigh Track each year.
“This pathway will increase that number significantly, creating one of the state’s great coastal walks and rides.”
The new track will support development of new events in the area, while existing events such as Port to Port, Loop the Lake and Fernleigh 15 may use the extended track to offer additional categories or new routes for their events.
The project will also see a series of public art installations featuring stories and themes depicting the local Awabakal people and their relationship with the environment.
Council’s arts, culture and tourism manager Jacqui Hemsley said much of the route would showcase Lake Macquarie’s natural beauty.
“Creation of the Fernleigh Awabakal Shared Track (FAST) will further enhance our city’s standing as a tourism destination for outdoor recreation and culture,” Ms Hemsley said.
Lake Macquarie councillor Kevin Baker said this infrastructure would open up plenty of opportunities and create new and repeat business for local cafes, restaurants and even the Lake Macquarie Airport.
“I’ve been pushing for the Fernleigh Awabakal shared pathway extension for a long time, and I’m really excited to see that the project will now become a reality,” he said.
“This accessible pathway will allow people to enjoy the natural beauty of Lake Macquarie, as well as bringing in more tourists to our area – building our local economy, supporting our businesses, and creating more jobs.”
Detailed design of the FAST track will begin immediately, with construction on the southern section - a 1.5km stretch running parallel with the Pacific Highway and ending at Blacksmiths Beach - expected to get underway in the 2020-2021 financial year.
Boardwalk sections will then be built, with the longest running stretch running behind Belmont TAFE, on land Council is in the process of acquiring with TAFE NSW’s support.
The northern section would come next, including offshoot paths leading to bird hides overlooking Belmont Wetlands.
The entire project could be finished in 2023. Extensive consultation will take place throughout the project to ensure concerns and feedback is heard.
At a total cost of $12 million, the council will contribute the remaining funds to ensure the track’s completion.