Central Coast Council has completed a new section of the shared pathway around Tuggerah Lake foreshore.

Council Director Roads, Transport, Drainage and Waste, Boris Bolgoff said the new section of pathway in Tuggerawong was a significant amenity and would enhance the appeal of the Tuggerah Lake loop for locals and tourists.

“We are focussed on footpath, bike path and shared path projects that complete missing links, loop around our scenic waterways and improve transport connections – this project ticks all of the boxes,” Mr Bolgoff said.

“The new pathway connects an existing pathway at Friday Street through to Tuesday Street, which improves access to local shops, a play space and the public school.

“This is a three-metre-wide shared pathway, which can be used by walkers, cyclists, parents with prams and community members who use wheelchairs or other mobility aids.

“Minimising environmental impact was a key priority for the project – we achieved this through keeping tree removal to an absolute minimum and by raising the pathway in some locations to avoid disrupting tree roots.”

The $995,000 project was proudly funded by the NSW Government with $542,269 from the Stronger Country Communities Fund and $452,731 from Council.

Mayor Jane Smith said the Tuggerah Lake loop was becoming an iconic resource for the Central Coast.

“Walking and cycling around our beautiful Tuggerah Lake is a big part of many community members lives and an experience that never fails to impress visitors to our region,” Mayor Smith said.

“This is a project that has been strongly supported by the ward Councillors, in particular Councillor Kyle MacGregor, so it is pleasing to see it come to fruition.

“Expanding and maintaining our pathways network enhances the liveability and sustainability of the Central Coast by facilitating alternative transport modes and better connecting local communities.”

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro said the Stronger Country Communities Fund was created to deliver infrastructure that improves the lives of local residents and the new section of shared pathway around Tuggerah Lake foreshore is just one of the hundreds of projects being built and delivered across regional NSW.

“I congratulate the Central Coast Council on its funding win and completion of this amazing project which will boost connectivity for cyclists and pedestrians of all abilities,” Mr Barilaro said.

“Not only will the new section of shared pathway benefit locals, but it will also help visitors discover the beauty of Tuggerah Lake.”

Mr Barilaro said work is underway on more than 1,000 Stronger Country Communities Fund projects right across regional NSW, with hundreds now close to completion.

The Stronger Country Communities Fund is part of the $1.7billion Regional Growth Fund, which together with the $4.2billion Snowy Hydro Legacy Fund is delivering once-in-a-generation infrastructure that generates opportunities, investment and jobs, on top of the NSW Government’s $1.8billion in drought support measures.

For further information and program guidelines, go to nsw.gov.au/SCCF

The recently completed section of the Tuggerah Lake loop was the first stage of a five-stage project at Tuggerawong.

Community consultation for the remaining stages of the project – which will extend the shared pathway for a further three kilometres to connect Tuesday Street, Tuggerawong through to Don Small Oval, Tacoma – is planned to start in late August.