A wetland boardwalk and landmark viewing platform are set to create a spectacular centrepiece to the northern section of the Fernleigh Awabakal Shared Track in Lake Macquarie.
The plans, which were unveiled yesterday evening, will see the construction of a striking new bridge over Cold Tea Creek, along with footpath loops branching off from the main shared pathway.
Lake Macquarie City Council FAST Project Manager Tess Dziwulski believes it will showcase the region’s natural and cultural significance and rich flora and fauna.
“The structures, public art installations and interpretive signage that form part of the project will deliver that in spades, creating an iconic piece of infrastructure much more than just a shared pathway,” she said.
An elevated boardwalk and viewing platform along the first section beside Belmont Lagoon will provide unique views towards the wetland.
It will also give an opportunity to explain the Aboriginal cultural story known as ‘When the Moon Cried’, detailing how the lagoon was formed.
Tear-shaped ironwork on the bridge over Cold Tea Creek also speaks to the story, and to the important role of water and wetlands in the area – historically and today.
Ms Dziwulski added interpretive signage developed in conjunction with Bahtabah Local Aboriginal Land Council, and public art installations by Aboriginal artists, would strengthen those links.
After crossing Cold Tea Creek, the track will continue along the eastern side of Beach Street oval, then onto Ocean Park Road and Green Street, past Belmont Cemetery.
It will skirt the northern edge of Belmont Golf & Bowls, continue along the southern side of Hilda Street and then link with the project’s southern section on the Pacific Highway.
Council’s Deputy CEO Tony Farrell said construction of the southern section was continuing as planned, with more than 600 metres of footpath now complete.
“The track will fill in a missing link of shared pathway between the end of the Fernleigh Track at Belmont and Blacksmiths, adding to our city’s growing active transport network,” Mr Farrell said.
“We’re excited to see it moving ahead, and look forward to delivering this important link to the community.”
Work began in April on the project’s 1.6 kilometre southern section, from Hilda Street at Belmont South to Awabakal Avenue at Blacksmiths, with construction of the 2.1 kilometre northern section set to begin next year.
The entire project is expected to be complete by October 2023.
The NSW Government awarded the FAST project $7.4 million in funding and the council will contribute the remaining funds to ensure the track’s completion.
Go to lakemac.com.au for more information about the FAST project.
Artist’s impression of new teardrop bridge over Cold Tea Creek (1)
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