Lake Macquarie including Morisset, and Wyee to Benefit from Major Active Transport Upgrades

10 March 2025

New South Wales is set to become more pedestrian and cyclist-friendly, with the announcement of major funding boosts for active transport infrastructure, particularly in the Hunter region.

The federal government’s Active Transport Fund has allocated more than $17.6 million to 11 projects aimed at enhancing safety, connectivity, and accessibility. A significant portion of the funding will go towards projects in Lake Macquarie, Morisset, and Wyee, addressing long-standing gaps in active transport infrastructure.

Lake Macquarie City Council will receive $1.3 million to build a new shared path from Soldiers Road to Lake Macquarie Airport via the Pacific Highway. This 280-metre path will provide a safer, dedicated route for pedestrians and cyclists away from road traffic. The project will also include bridges, a new car park, new culverts, and upgraded intersections.

Another key project in Cooranbong will see $1.6 million allocated to construct a 480-metre shared pathway connecting the Watagan Park residential estate with the Town Common, Cooranbong Public School, and Avondale University. This new pathway will replace an existing muddy track, providing a safer and more accessible route for pedestrians, cyclists, and pram users. Federal MP Dan Repacholi and Lake Macquarie Mayor Adam Shultz recently inspected the site and highlighted the benefits of this long-awaited connection for the local community.

Residents in Morisset and Wyee have long called for improved pedestrian access, with particular concerns raised about safety for school children. Repacholi acknowledged these concerns and confirmed that the government is working with the council to ensure that key projects, such as a long-awaited footpath along Freemans Drive, will receive attention.

However, public discussion has emerged regarding the cost of some projects, with residents questioning the $1.6 million price tag for the Cooranbong path. Repacholi explained that the budget covers additional infrastructure, including bridges, intersections, and parking facilities, making the project more than just a simple footpath.

Other projects across the state receiving funding include new shared paths in the Blue Mountains, a cycleway in Newtown, and pedestrian infrastructure improvements in Canterbury.

Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King, highlighted the benefits, saying the funding is “shaping the way locals and visitors move around our great towns,” enhancing accessibility for all, whether cycling, walking, or using mobility aids.

The initiative is part of the Australian Government’s broader Active Transport Fund, aligning with the National Road and Safety Strategy to ensure safe and sustainable transport solutions for communities across the state.

The projects underline a national effort to promote healthier, safer, and more environmentally sustainable transport options, reflecting the Government’s commitment to infrastructure improvements benefiting both people and the planet.