A further expansion of the Farmers Creek shared pathway project will soon get underway with the community invited to make comment.
In recent years, Lithgow City Council has progressively extended the shared pedestrian/cycle path along Farmers Creek. When completed, the pathway network will extend east from the Lithgow Visitor Centre to Lake Pillans Wetlands with side connections to other places of interest.
"This program of works represents a long-term commitment by Council to improve the creek corridor and to transform it into a desirable natural destination for the community," said Mayor Ray Thompson. "This project aims to enhance public appreciation and use of the creek corridor and to promote public health and community engagement."
The current stage of works to be completed in the second half of 2021, extends from the Glanmire Oval at Coalbrook Street to Burton Street. Two bridges have been constructed over State Mine Creek near Guy Street and Farmers Creek near Burton Street and a 2.5 metre wide concrete footpath is being constructed along Macaulay Street from Tank Street to Burton Street.
The next stage of works to be completed by mid-2022 involves further pathway extensions:
- Along Inch Street from opposite the Blast Furnace entrance, past Eskbank House Museum, along Bennet, Donald, Gay and Tank Streets to Farmers Creek at Tank Street. This section and the following section will create a loop that connects Farmers Creek, Lake Pillans, Blast Furnace and Eskbank House Museum.
- Along Inch Street from Burton Street to Saywell Park and Lake Pillans where it will connect to the Lake Pillans boardwalk loop and shared pathway from Blast Furnace to Inch Street.
- From the end of the existing shared pathway through the Glanmire Oval and under the Sandford Avenue road bridge to the Marjorie Jackson field clubhouse. This short section will facilitate access for sporting participants and spectators to the Marjorie Jackson playing fields.
- From the Geordie Street causeway along the STP access road to the Chivers Close footbridge. This section is currently used as an informal access to Farmers Creek for residents of Chivers Close and nearby streets.
Wherever possible the pathways will be constructed to the 2.5m wide shared path standard. Where this is not achievable, narrower pathways and/or on-road marked lanes will be used for cyclists.
Council will also be undertaking weed removal and vegetation management works together with landscape improvements in selected locations along Farmers Creek.
