Residents plan for next section of Gold Coast Oceanway after latest project opened
RESIDENTS were wary of the ambitious project to connect Tugun with Bilinga for a continuous foreshore pathway — but the recent opening of the first section could have allied some fears. It even brought along a few surprises.
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THERE’S a wave of excitement along the Bilinga foreshore with the opening of the latest extension to the southern Gold Coast Oceanway.
The $4 million dollar project will connect Tugun with Bilinga, creating a continuous foreshore pedestrian and cycling pathway from Currumbin to Snapper Rocks.
Working in stages, the ‘missing link’ section started in July with the first section from the Bilinga Surf Life Saving Club to Surf Street opened last week.
Friends of Currumbin president Barry Robinson was joined by fellow members and eager cyclists and locals anxious to inspect the work and gain a vision of what the entire project will look like.
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“I am truly impressed with the work — the width of the path is great and allows for both pedestrians and cyclists at the same time,” Mr Robinson said.
“The fact that there is no fencing on the beach side of the pathway really opens it all up and the lighting installed is very subtle.
“I think when this is completed, it will be a wonderful asset for the southern Gold Coast.
“Now all we have to do is get the Oceanway extended the length of the Gold Coast as it was originally intended.”
Mr Robinson said he had discussions with project manager David Dixon who had informed him that the project was on schedule for completion by December.
“There was a lot of community debate about this project with many residents who live on the each having reservations and concerns about it,” Mr Robinson said.
“However after seeing the first stage of it and how it really provides a wonderful view of the beach, I think those who were opposed to it will be impressed.”
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Bilinga resident and Oceanway advocate, Anna Dennis, said the landscaping undertaken enhanced the area in front of many beachfront properties.
“I know that a house along the next section of the Oceanway went auction and sold very quickly and the buyers were fully aware of the path going in front of their property,” Ms Dennis said.
“The council is doing a great job with their planting and grassing once the path has been installed and I can’t wait until the entire project is completed — it will be a real bonus.”
The stage of the project will take in between Surf Street and John Street.
Mr Robinson said his organisation and the Tugun Progress Association were planning a Christmas celebration to mark the completion of the work in December.
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