The NSW Government is set to invest more than $3 million in walking and cycling projects in Kiama, Gerringong and Jamberoo.
The State Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Paul Toole said the $3.3 million investment under the Active Transport Fund built on the NSW Government’s Future Transport 2056 vision to double the number of commuting walkers and cyclists across the region.
“Projects like this encourage people to walk and cycle as part of their everyday commute, promoting an active and healthy lifestyle and helping to relieve congestion on the roads,” Mr Toole said.
“This investment will see the completion of the seven-kilometre Jamberoo Valley Cycleway, linking Jamberoo with the rest of the Kiama cycleway network.
“The cycleway won’t just provide locals with alternative transport options, but will also become a tourism drawcard for cyclists and walkers to enjoy the rural landscape of the Jamberoo Valley.
“Our experience during the pandemic is that people have embraced the importance of regular exercise, and the projects being funded will support that demand for paths and routes to cycle, jog and walk.”
The Gerringong pathway will be extended between Omega Flat and Fern Street.
The funding will also open up bike access in the Kiama town centre and the Minnamurra Bike Skills Track, and investigate improvements to the road shoulders on the Princes Highway around the Kiama bends.
Kiama Mayor, Mark Honey thanked the NSW Government for supporting the projects, which also help progress a number of wider community goals.
“Increasing options for locals to ditch the car for their bike or walking shoes is an important part of the Kiama Health Plan,” Mayor Honey said.
“It will also help our efforts to reduce our carbon emissions as a community, and form part of our forthcoming Community Emissions Reduction Plan.”
