FAST northern route to include iconic design and location

Published on 07 October 2021

A landmark viewing platform and 400m of wetland boardwalk will create a spectacular centrepiece to the northern section of the Fernleigh Awabakal Shared Track, plans for which were unveiled today.

The plan also reveals a striking new bridge over Cold Tea Creek, along with footpath loops branching off from the main shared pathway to take in the area’s rich flora and fauna.

Lake Macquarie City Council FAST Project Manager Tess Dziwulski said a decision on the northern section was the result of more than 18 months of community consultation, environmental investigations, collaboration with local Aboriginal stakeholders and negotiation with land-owners.

“A core aim of the FAST project is to showcase the area’s amazing natural and cultural significance,” she said.

“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.”

An elevated boardwalk and viewing platform along the first section beside Belmont Lagoon will provide unique views towards the wetland, together with the opportunity to explain the Aboriginal cultural story known as ‘When the Moon Cried’, detailing how the lagoon was formed.

Tear-shaped ironwork on the new 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 said 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 600m of footpath now complete.

The NSW Government awarded the FAST project $7.4 million in funding in 2020 through Round Two of its Regional Growth Environment and Tourism Fund.

Council will contribute the remaining funds to ensure the track's completion.

“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 1.6km southern section, from Hilda Street at Belmont South to Awabakal Avenue at Blacksmiths, with construction of the 2.1km northern section set to begin next year and the full project completed by October 2023.

Lake Macquarie Mayor Kay Fraser said the finished project would boost tourism, shed light on the city’s cultural history and encourage active, healthy lifestyles for locals.

“We’re committed to delivering quality projects like this to expand our shared pathways network and provide the infrastructure people want and need to enjoy our great outdoors,” Cr Fraser said.

Go to lakemac.com.au for more information about the FAST project.