A new recreational pathway between Calala and Tamworth’s CBD could soon allow Calala residents to avoid weekday traffic by commuting by bicycle or on foot into the heart of Peel Street.
Council is currently investigating potential designs for a new 3.7km long shared path for pedestrians and cyclists connecting Calala to the Tamworth CBD via Campbell Road and King George V Avenue. Community consultation with directly affected residents and the King George V Avenue Working Group has begun over the weekend through two community meetings, with the project still in its very early stages. Once the initial planning has been completed, further communication will be undertaken with the wider community.
Tamworth Region Mayor Russell Webb said that Council’s vision is to create a family friendly pathway for recreational users and people commuting to work, allowing residents to enjoy the scenery through the Peel River flood plain and the King George V Avenue of Memorial English Oaks.
“The proposed path will be linked to other existing shared paths, creating a 14.7km loop for the community from Calala to the Jewry Street Bridge and back without major road crossings”, he said.
“Council has also undertaken initial reports from both heritage and arborist consultants to ensure the impact on the heritage listed Memorial English Oaks in King George V Avenue is minimised, as we know how important the avenue is to the community,” he said.
The need for an active transport link between Calala and the CBD has been identified by Council’s Active Transport Strategy. Over the past five years, Council has been diligently working towards improving the liveability of the city of Tamworth by creating key links for walking and cycling. Providing options for active transport not only improves community health, but it also reduces the number of cars on our roads during peak hour traffic.
Tamworth Bicycle Users Group President Greg Johnstone said that the creation of a 14.7km loop will be wonderful for people who can use the shared pathway for recreation as it is a good distance for fitness purposes.
“I know from first-hand knowledge that this project will be well supported by young families and pedestrians of all types. I have seen many people with mobility aids using shared pathways, and this project will provide a very valuable corridor between Calala and the CBD and link it up for people who want to access the CBD for shopping and leisure alike”, he said.
NSW Transport Minister Jo Haylen said the project would help transform Tamworth.
“The project will make it easier for people to walk and cycle, giving everyone the option to leave the car at home and enjoy the fresh air as they wander through their beautiful town,” she said.
“I’m pleased the NSW Government has been able to contribute $45k towards this project.”
Member for Tamworth and Shadow Minister for Heritage Kevin Anderson said he had a long history and strong interest in protecting and taking full advantage of King George V Avenue.
“The possible route earmarked for a shared pathway is already a very popular one for cyclists, dog walkers, and runners in Tamworth,” Mr Anderson said.
“King George V Avenue is an iconic part of our city the people of Tamworth have long admired the English Oaks which have also attracted tourists from far and wide, and featured in an Angelina Jolie film.
“A shared path would only value-add to our heritage-listed asset and I’m thrilled the former NSW Government’s Active Transport Program has contributed to the investigation and design work for the path.”
The project feasibility investigation and design work for the path has been funded by the NSW Government’s Active Transport Program, while the construction of the path is currently unfunded.
