A recent $1.17 million funding boost has kicked off work on the missing link of the shared pathway from Adamstown to Murrays Beach in on the NSW south coast.
The Fernleigh Awabakal Shared Track (FAST) is a 27km active transport route and one of the region’s most popular walking and cycling paths. It was proposed by Lake Macquarie City Council in 2018 and welcomes thousands of visitors each year.
A 1.6km section of the track was completed and officially opened between Blacksmith’s Awabakal Avenue and Belmont South’s Hilda Street in August. The $1.17 million Get NSW Active grant will fund works on another 2km section of track to link the Belmont South section.
The $12 million project is expected to improve connectivity and rider and pedestrian safety and will become the longest active transport route in the Hunter Region.
Advocates for the track say it will create local construction jobs and offer opportunities for cycling and walking, trail running and community events that generate new hospitality and tourism ventures.
The pathway will feature Aboriginal art highlighting local Indigenous culture and heritage, and an elevated boardwalk passing through the Belmont Wetlands.