Federal Member for Dobell, Emma McBride, has pledged $1.5M funding for the fifth stage to complete Tuggerawong Shared Pathway, if a Labor Government is elected on May 21.
“This funding will see the pathway continue along the foreshore reserve, which is what the community has been calling for,” she said.
When stage five is complete, the Tuggerawong Pathway will be 4km long from Friday St to Don Small Oval in Tacoma.
Preconstruction works for stage three and four have been completed and construction of stage three started in May.
Central Coast Council has allocated funding to stage three of the project as part of the Capital Works Program for 2021-22.
Funding for works within stage four is scheduled for the 2022-23 financial year, subject to adoption by Council.
Construction of stage five is partly funded in Council’s long-term financial plan, with construction waiting for finalisation of the route and design as well as full funding.
McBride and Wyong MP, David Harris, have been working with the Tuggerawong Pathway community group to see the pathway to completion.
“This community-driven project has been in the works since 2015, and I’m proud to say Labor will commit $1.5M to complete it,” McBride said.
“The community overwhelmingly supported Option A for this project, and now, thanks to Labor’s commitment, we will be able to fund their preferred choice.”
Of the five options, Option A extends 1480m around Rocky Point and along the foreshore to Don Small Oval.
Pathway spokesperson, Jodie Davis has welcomed the announcement.
“We have been working with Emma McBride on this for years, and we’re thrilled she has offered this financial support to complete stage five of the project,” she said.
“Our community made their wishes clear when Council asked us to vote on which option they wanted, and 87 per cent of people voted for Option A – to continue the pathway around the foreshore, all the way to Don Small Oval.”
“The ultimate aim of the project is to create a pathway that connects to other foreshore pathways and loops around Tuggerah Lake.
“The pathway is very popular with locals and visitors, and it became even more popular during lockdown when many Coasties rediscovered the beauty of our backyard,” Davis said.
Sue Murray