A new shared path has opened at Pelican, providing pedestrians and cyclists with a safer connection between the local community and Lake Macquarie Airport.
The first stage of the $2.6 million Ron Brown Way extension stretches from Naru Street to the airport and forms part of a wider project linking through to Soldiers Road.
The 480-metre extension is being delivered across two stages and will add to Lake Macquarie’s existing 136km shared path network.
Lake Macquarie Mayor Adam Shultz said the project responded to safety concerns as traffic volumes continued to increase along the Pacific Highway.
“Traffic volumes are increasing along the Pacific Highway, and this will provide a safer route for pedestrians and cyclists, as well as improved access to bus stops and crossing points,” he said.
The path has been named in honour of lifelong local Ron Brown, who spent years advocating for a safer connection for the community.
Mr Shultz said Mr Brown became involved after seeing children forced to walk or ride alongside the highway when travelling towards Marks Point and Belmont.
“After years of seeing kids having to walk or ride along the highway to get to Marks Point and Belmont after reaching the end of Soldiers Road, he became very active in pushing for this shared path,” he said.
Mr Brown’s widow Marilyn said the family was “immensely proud and grateful” to see his contribution recognised.
“Ron took every opportunity at sporting events, shopping centres and local gatherings and events to lobby for the safety of his family and community,” she said.
“We’re extremely proud. He would be very humbled by the honour of naming the shared pathway after him.
“He would not have expected it but would have been chuffed.”
The Australian Government contributed $1.3 million towards the project through the Active Transport Fund.
The remaining funding was provided by Lake Macquarie City Council and the NSW Government through the Get NSW Active Program.
Federal Member for Shortland Pat Conroy said naming the path after Mr Brown was a fitting tribute.
“Ron was a passionate advocate for the local community, constantly working to make it a safer and better place,” he said.
“It’s fitting that his legacy will live on through this shared path bearing his name.”
Member for Swansea Yasmin Catley said the project was a response to long-standing community concerns.
“People deserve to feel safe walking to school, down their street or along shared paths without second guessing it,” she said.
“This will change how people live day to day and improve liveability of our community for generations to come.”
Stage Two is now in the design phase and will include a further 300-metre shared path extension from the southern side of Soldiers Road to Lake Macquarie Airport.
Road intersection upgrades will also form part of the works, connecting with Stage One to create a continuous pathway.
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