Nationals’ candidate for Lyne Alison Penfold has announced a Nationals Government will provide $300,000 to establish the Harrington to Crowdy Head bike path.
Ms Penfold said the local community has called for this infrastructure for decades and it’s time to get it moving.
“You take your life into your own hands riding or indeed walking on Crowdy Head Road. I know from personal experience that it’s far too narrow to accommodate the bikes that use it every day.
“Thanks to the work of members of the Rotary Club of Taree on Manning and last year’s community Bike-a-thon driving the push to get a dedicated bike path started, the project has gained momentum and I am excited to be able to announce funding to support it.
“Not only will the bike path provide a safe route for local bike riders, it will also be a fabulous tourist attraction showing off the history, flora and fauna of the area between Harrington and Crowdy Head.
“This is a genuine long-term investment in the lifestyle and liveability of this beautiful part of the coast.”
Ms Penfold said the project had been identified in Dr David Gillespie’s 2030 Vision, the 2016 Greater Taree City Council Harrington/Crowdy Open Space Action Plan and again in Mid-Coast Council’s Open Space and Recreation Strategy 2023-2035.
She said the funding would help the Council undertake early construction planning and works for the bike path.
“If elected, I will work with the community and the Council to ensure there is strong collaboration to meet the community’s vision,” she said.
“A safe and scenic bike path really will fill a ‘missing link’ in our local tourism infrastructure, draw more visitors to the region and put more dollars in the pockets of local businesses – a true win-win for the community.
“I want to thank all the local community champions over the years who have pushed for this project to become a reality.”
