The extension of a popular walking track is expected to further boost tourism within the Kiama municipality.
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Kiama councillors have endorsed the council's preferred route concept for an extension of the Coastal Walking Track from Gerringong to Gerroa.
Council's director of engineering and works, Mike Dowd, said this extension would provide an uninterrupted 30km walking trail along the entire coastline of the Kiama municipality.
"Since it was established in 2012, the Coastal Walking Track has quickly become one of the great walks in Australia, showcasing the breathtaking beauty of our municipality," Mr Dowd said.
"Extending the track from Gerringong to Gerroa will complete 'the missing link' and connect the trail from the Minnamurra River all the way to Seven Mile Beach."
Kiama Mayor Mark Honey said the move would further boost tourism in the Kiama municipality.
"It'll add to the current attraction that we have there," he said.
"It'll open up the walking track... It will be a fantastic addition to that walking track."
Mr Dowd said the preferred route concept was determined after considering a range of factors, such as public safety, ease of walking and constructing the track.
"This route concept means only having to acquire land from three privately-owned properties, the rest being public reserves or council land," he said.
"We'll be consulting land owners, tourism, indigenous and environmental groups, as well as the wider community.
"The first step, however, is getting the support of the NSW Government for acquiring the land and funding the project.
"This involves applying to the Department of Planning's Coastal Lands Protection Scheme, which is designed to increase public ownership of important coastal land.
"If successful, the Department will handle all the land acquisition for us, including compensation."
A map of council's preferred route concept of the Coastal Walking Track extension is available on council's website.
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