Construction has commenced for a new 4.4km shared path to ensure a safe and convenient route for residents, school children and cyclists in Brandy Hill, Port Stephens.
The $4 million project has been funded through a Voluntary Planning Agreement with Hanson Australia, as part of their approved expansion of the Brandy Hill Quarry, by the NSW Independent Planning Commission in July 2020.
Mayor Ryan Palmer said the funding was provided through a Voluntary Planning Agreement – a mechanism that allows a developer to fund the delivery of community infrastructure or services, to service or offset the impact of their development.
“This Voluntary Planning Agreement is a really big win for locals of Brandy Hill, who’ve campaigned to get the best possible outcome for their community. This new pathway will not only create better connections for residents, but also improve safety for school children with a 2.1m wide pathway and the installation of new bus bays,” said Mayor Palmer.
“This project is a result of the Brandy Hill community and Council working together to obtain the best outcome possible for locals along Brandy Hill Drive. Hanson Australia listened to locals, recognised the positive impact this pathway would have for the community, and agreed to fund the pathway,” he added.
In 2020, the NSW Government approved Hanson’s quarry expansion development, with a condition to enter into a Voluntary Planning Agreement with Council and provide funding towards a new pathway. Following extensive feedback from locals, the pathway design was modified and expanded to meet their needs.
The program of works will extend over a projected 35 week period, with new informal asphalt bus bays the first priority. Over the course of the project, there will be periodic impacts to traffic flow in the area.
Mayor Palmer added “We know that there will be some inconvenience during the construction, so please be patient and allow a little extra time while we deliver this important pedestrian link.”
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