Multi-million Dollar Investment Connecting Northern Beaches
Friday 16 December 2016: Media release
Sydney’s iconic Northern Beaches will be connected by a spectacular coastal walkway and cycleway stretching from Manly to Palm Beach, now made possible with the formation of the Northern Beaches Council.
The newly amalgamated Council will deliver this once in a lifetime project as part of a $32.6 million infrastructure investment partnership with the NSW Government.
‘Connecting Northern Beaches’ will deliver two major programs. The first is a $22.3 million program focused on integrating active walking paths and cycleways that link to B-Line transport hubs and services.
The second is a $10.3 million inclusive and active play program featuring the creation of two new major all-abilities playgrounds, upgrades to play areas across the Northern Beaches to make them more inclusive, and $4 million for sporting facilities and Surf Life Saving Clubs.
“This linkage brings together the three former council areas as one Northern Beaches community and is the direct result of the creation of the new Council,” said Dick Persson AM, Administrator, Northern Beaches Council.
“By removing the administrative boundaries, it has unlocked the potential to interconnect our villages and towns via cycleways, walkways and transport hubs across the region.
“The B-Line will transform the way people travel across the Northern Beaches. This investment by Transport for NSW will ensure that B-Line stops can be effectively accessed by walking and cycling links, enabling people to get to bus services faster, more efficiently and reduce congestion on the roads.
“The community of the Northern Beaches has a strong focus on inclusivity. We will deliver safe and accessible new playgrounds at Manly Dam Reserve and Lionel Watts Reserve in Frenchs Forest, to give every child the chance to enjoy more exciting places to play,” Mr Persson said.
“Everyone who lives on the Northern Beaches loves the Northern Beaches and this spectacular project will bring our community even closer together,” said Member for Manly and NSW Premier, Mike Baird.
“This project will be enjoyed for generations to come and it is a fantastic example of the benefits that are now flowing to the local community following the formation of the Northern Beaches Council,” Mr Baird said.
“This is a generational project that will help create a continuous network of walking and cycling links throughout our community,” said Planning Minister and Member for Pittwater, Rob Stokes.
“The NSW Government is delighted to be supporting this fantastic investment in our community - which includes almost $10 million for new and upgraded pathways in Pittwater alone.
“This idea has been floating around for decades - but it’s never been able to get off the ground due to insufficient funds and boundary issues.
“Combined with improved public transport through the upcoming B-Line service, this project will greatly enhance local pedestrian, cycling and commuter connectivity,” Mr Stokes said.
In addition, $4 million will be invested in sporting facilities and upgrades to Surf Life Saving Clubs to promote the Northern Beaches as an active, social and inclusive community.
‘Connecting Northern Beaches’ has been made possible by the formation of the new Northern Beaches Council and will be delivered in partnership with the NSW Government. Funding is through the NSW Government’s Stronger Communities Fund, B-Line Project, Walking & Cycling Program and savings made as a result of the Northern Beaches Council merger.
To view details of the ‘Connecting Communities’ project visit -www.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au
Information on Connecting the Northern Beaches Programs
Connecting Through Walking and Cycling
The project features 36km of continuous, all-weather coastal walkways from Palm Beach to Manly, including:
- 14km of new off-road shared paths
- New Palm Beach Walkway from the Palm Beach Ferry to Beach Road
- New shared pathway behind Mona Vale golf course
- Dee Why headland to North Curl Curl improvements
It also features 36km of new cycleways and shared paths connecting north-south an east-west, including:
- 14km of new off-road shared paths
- 22km designated as on-road routes, connecting to the existing network
- New shared path around Bilgola Bends
- New shared path from Collaroy to Narrabeen
- Designated route from Dee Why to Northern Beaches Hospital
Download the information booklet on Connecting The Northern Beaches program. (PDF: 2.72 MB)
Connecting All Through Play
The Northern Beaches has three all-abilities playgrounds located at Collaroy, Manly and Newport. The program will deliver a regional network of inclusive accessible playgrounds by:
- Creating two major new all-abilities playgrounds at Manly Dam and Lionel Watts Reserve
- Upgrading 50 playgrounds to create fun, safe and accessible playgrounds for everyone
- Piloting an innovative local neighbourhood inclusive playground program to bring communities together
These works will be designed to not only create exciting and vibrant play spaces but to connect the community, in particular, children of all abilities to natural areas. The greater accessibility of these major play spaces will enable people of all-abilities to participate in play and reap the benefits of increased physical activity, social interaction and mental stimulation.
Council is committed to encouraging the well-being of all the community. The program will:
- Invest $2 million in sporting facilities to improve and increase capacity of our existing facilities
- Invest $2 million for in Surf Life Saving Cubs for priority upgrades to improve accessibility, inclusivity and the critical role of surf lifesavers in our community
Download the information booklet on Connecting All Through Play program. (PDF: 1.31 MB)
