The first stage of the much-anticipated Bicentennial Walkway project is now complete with the opening of the southern section from the William Street Bridge to Kooloonbung Nature Reserve.
Offering residents and visitors improved accessibility and a more scenic waterfront experience, the final section was completed just prior to Christmas and adds to the already completed northern section from Town Green West to Fishermans Wharf opened in August.
The full 550-metre pathway provides a seamless and safe pedestrian route underneath both the busy William and Gordon Street bridges, as well as new lighting, landscaping, additional seating and picnic tables.
Its completion ensures a significant improvement to the function, accessibility and aesthetics of the foreshore areas despite a construction period that was not without significant challenges from inclement weather and river flooding.
Mayor Peta Pinson said the new-look Port Macquarie waterfront was quickly becoming one of the most eye-catching locations for locals living in and visitors holidaying to the mid-north coast.
“This is a such a fantastic piece of public infrastructure for our community, adding to the significant improvements already made to previous infrastructure upgrades along the town centre foreshore,” Mayor Pinson said.
“I am already noticing the increasing number of people utilising this space for their recreational and social purposes, which is adding to the vibrancy and warmth of the Port Macquarie CBD particularly during this busy holiday period.
“Thank you to the PMHC staff, contractors Building Heights and the investment in the NSW and Commonwealth Governments in assisting with the delivery of this multi-million-dollar project.”
Member for Cowper Pat Conaghan said it was it was great to see that this project has now been delivered to the residents of Port Macquarie.
“I advocated for this project back in 2019 and it was fantastic when we secured the funding through the Coalition government,” Mr Conghan said.
“I’d like to congratulate PMHC, the TCMP and contractors for the professional and seamless delivery of the works.”
The Bicentennial Walkway – Stage 1 project has been made possible due to the investment from the Commonwealth and NSW Governments through the Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund ($3.05 million), and support from the former Town Centre Masterplan Committee.
PMHC contributed additional funding from the Town Centre Masterplan Fund, while the maintenance works for Town Wharf has been funded by Transport for NSW.
PMHC will now look to pursue future grant funding opportunities for the remaining stages of the overall Bicentennial Walkway project.
