Gold Coast Oceanway: Palaszczuk Government to fund two cyclepaths for Coast

IT’S the bike path that divided a community. Today the State Government will announce new funding for the design of the Tugun to Bilinga Oceanway.

Back then: Protestors rallied over the proposed oceanway. Picture: Regi Varghese

DESIGNS for the controversial Tugun to Bilinga Oceanway will be drawn up as part of a $410,000 boost to Gold Coast cycle infrastructure.

Acting Main Roads Minister Steven Miles will today announce funding for the Gold Coast City Council to build two new bike-friendly paths on the Gold Coast.

Of the grant, $200,000 will go toward designs for the Tugun to Bilinga Oceanway.

The design is expected to detail a 1.7km, 3.5m-wide link in Tugun that will include mid and end-of-trip facilities.

Peter Turner speaks to friends of Currumbin supporters who gathered to discuss the Tugun to Bilinga Oceanway, Tugun, Gold Coast in 2015. Picture: Regi Varghese.

“The Tugun to Bilinga Oceanway will run along the ocean foreshore between Toolona St and Matters St, connecting to existing oceanway at either end,” Mr Miles said.

When the Oceanway was first floated, the southern Gold Coast community was divided.

Tensions rose with protesters clashing and one man claimed he had been attacked with a walking stick by someone on the opposing side.

Meanwhile, $210,000 will be awarded for the Gold Coast Highway shared path from Chelsea Ave to the Convention Centre.

“We’re also committing $210,000 towards the construction of the Gold Coast Highway Shared Path which will be 380m of off road shared path along the western side of the Gold Coast Highway between Chelsea Ave and the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre,” Mr Miles said.

Gloria Barker and Barry Robinson with members for a public rally supporting the push for an Oceanway between Bilinga and Tugun in 2015. Pic John Gass

Works on both projects are expected to start progressively throughout this year and next, weather and construction conditions permitting.

The council will be awarded funding for cycling infrastructure on a 50/50 basis.

The projects are part of a $182.5 million investment into cycling infrastructure across the state over the next four years.

“The Palaszczuk Government is committed to making cycling safer and more accessible for communities across Queensland,” Mr Miles said.

“Investment in safer cycling infrastructure helps people to enjoy active and healthy travel around their community.”