Work is set to begin on a multi-million dollar cycleway project, regarded by locals to be a “missing link” between the Minnamurra village and coastal walk.
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This week, Kiama council agreed to award the contract for investigation and design of the Minnamurra River boardwalk and cycleway to Wollongong-based company Cardno.
This will involve the completion of a detailed design, environmental impact assessment and community consultation.
Cardno will also need to acquire relevant stakeholder approval for the four metre wide and 1.6km long shared pathway alongside the Minnamurra River on Riverside Drive.
“We have been lobbying for this for many years, it’s our pet project,” Minnamurra Progress Association president Cliff Mason said.
“The Minnamurra residents are excited about this, because a section of the bends is quite dangerous for cyclists and pedestrians trying to walk there.
“We’ve always been worried about safety, and this will solve it with a lovely tourist attraction.”
Work will start immediately and should be done by early 2019.
In July last year, the $4.5 million project received backing from the NSW Government with the announcement that it would be fully funded by the state budget.
Kiama Council will be responsible for maintenance, and Kiama MP Gareth Ward said there would be government grants available when maintenance is required.
The contract marks the second phase of the project, with preliminary designs and community consultation conducted over the last couple of months.
Kiama Mayor Mark Honey said the design contract was an exicting next step.
“The shared boardwalk is another step forward for the tourism industry in our municipality, while also serving an important and unique link for our community,” he said.
“The boardwalk will be located in an idyllic and unique location and will be a wonderfully iconic attraction for visitors, residents and environmental groups.”
