The construction of a walking and cycling trail between Caves Beach and Budgewoi via the Munmorah State Conservation Area is on the cards as Central Coast Council have endorsed the Central Coast Green Grid Plan: Our Place.

The Plan outlines the framework for future developments on the Coast that will promote healthier lifestyles and protect the local environment.

The idea to construct the trail was initially developed by Central Coast Council, Lake Macquarie City Council and NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service.

Yasmin Catley MP – Member for Swansea has consistently shared with these agencies her support for the project and has raised the benefits of establishing this pathway.

The trail would connect the Lake Macquarie and the Central Coast Local Government Areas (LGAs) that both sit within the Swansea electorate, as well as provide a unique opportunity to link the Fernleigh Track to the Central Coast, through the Munmorah State Conservation Area.

During the public exhibition period, which was held between September and October 2021, the proposed walking and cycling trail was included on a draft list of potential projects to be completed. Central Coast Council’s endorsement of the Plan has further added to the likelihood that this project will take place.

Central Coast Council have also advised that future funding for projects will be sought from internal Council and Government agency funding and from grants.

Ms Yasmin Catley MP – Member for Swansea said ‘it is pleasing to hear that Central Coast Council have endorsed their Green Grid Plan’.

‘This is a great win for the local community as it means that the development of a walking and cycling trail between Caves Beach and Budgewoi is one step closer to taking place’.

‘I have consistently raised with stakeholders, including Central Coast Council the benefits of developing this trail. Not only would it connect Lake Macquarie and the Central Coast, but it would also provide the opportunity to extend the Fernleigh Track through some of the most picturesque parts of the Coast’.

‘Central Coast Council’s endorsement of the Plan is promising as it demonstrates that they recognise the benefits it would provide the local community. We are a step closer to seeing the construction of a walking and cycling trail between Caves Beach and Budgewoi’.