Munmorah coastal track flagged in Green Grid plan

Construction of a walking and cycling trail between Caves Beach and Budgewoi via Munmorah State Conservation Area is one step closer following Council’s endorsement of its Central Coast Green Grid Plan: Our Place.

A first of its kind for regional NSW, the plan outlines the framework for future projects on the Coast that will deliver an interconnected network of open space to keep major centres cool, promote healthy lifestyles, enhance biodiversity and protect natural environmental attributes of the region.

The walking and cycling trail from Caves Beach to Budgewoi is included on the list of potential projects, to investigate and design the coastal track. The list is not a formal capital works program.

The idea to construct the trail was initially developed by Central Coast Council, Lake Macquarie City Council and NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service.

Swansea MP, Yasmin Catley, said it would be a great win for the local community.

“The coastal track would not only connect Lake Macquarie and the Central Coast council areas but it would also provide the opportunity to extend the Fernleigh Track through some of the most picturesque parts of the Coast through Munmorah State Conservation Area.

“Endorsement of the Central Coast Green Grid Plan is promising as it demonstrates that they recognise benefits the coastal track would provide the local community,” Catley said.

 Some of the many others on the Potential List of Projects in the Green Grid Plan include:

A recreational green corridor between Chapman’s Hill Lookout and Wyong TAFE;

Teamster Close Reserve, Tuggerah – investigate kayak launching and shared path connections to Tuggerah Rail and potential camping / RV site;

Tuggerah to Ourimbah mountain bike off-road path;

Coastal shared path between Budgewoi and Magenta;

Complete an underwater snorkelling/ dive trail at Norah Head;

Stage 2 of the Wadalba Wildlife Corridor – to begin the process of acquiring private land at Jensen Rd, Wadalba;

Design and build a boardwalk at the Porters Creek Wetland conservation area at Warnervale;

Bike plans – Lake Munmorah to The Entrance, Lake Munmorah Loop, Tuggerah Lakes Loop and Budgewoi Loop;

San Remo BMX facility expansion;

Toukley Village Green upgrade;

Lake Munmorah Recreational Precinct Development, Stage 2;

A new boat ramp, gangway, pontoon and trailer parking at South Tacoma Rd.

Council Administrator, Rik Hart, said adoption of the Green Grid Plan was a key milestone to ensure the region’s long-term liveability and that future costs for identified projects would be sought via a mixture of Council funds, government funds or through grant funding.

Sue Murray