They have already proven popular with walkers, runners, families, pets and cyclists, and Gunnedah Shire's newest pathways will officially open this Saturday.
Community members are invited to bring their bikes and their helmets down to the Woolshed Reserve in Maitland Street at 9.30am on Saturday morning to help celebrate the opening of the Shared Pathways Activation Project and the Wandobah Fence Enhancement Project.
Gunnedah Shire Council Director Infrastructure Services Jeremy Bartlett said the Shared Pathways Activation Project was a great project in making Gunnedah Shire and even better place to live.
"Time outdoors has become even more important as our lives get busier, and creating safe and enjoyable ways to walk, run and cycle allows people to make the most of our beautiful environment," Mr Barlett said.
"The Riverine Stormwater Precinct Shared Pathway connects Mullibah Lagoon to the Namoi River, and is part of the creation of a connected cycleways loop that includes 3,970 meters of cycleways and shared pathways.
"Pathways now run from Cohen's Bridge along Maitland Street to the Carroll Street end of Mullibah Lagoon, connecting to the existing pathway at the Namoi River. The Geoff Morgan Playing Fields are linked through Mullibah Lagoon. The pathway includes a stormwater bridge at the Osric Street stormwater head and is lined with solar lighting.
"This project helps people get out and close to nature, whether it is with their families, friends or pets."
The project has been largely funded by the NSW Public Spaces Legacy Program, a NSW Government program that encouraged councils to submit a plan to the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment on how they would accelerate local projects and include a proposal to deliver an open and public space project.
Funding for Gunnedah Shire included three projects under the Gunnedah Public Spaces Activation Program - the Shared Pathways Connection Program, the Wandobah Road Open Space Enhancement Project and the Poetry Precinct Open Space Activation Project.
As part of the already completed Wandobah Road Open Space Enhancement Project, low fencing, intergenerational seating and rubbish bins were installed along the 2.16 kilometres of popular footpath on Wandobah Road.
The Stock Road pathway between Links Road and Winder Place has also had a facelift with new surfacing.
What: Official opening of the Shared Pathway Project
When: 9.30am, Saturday, 16 November, 2024
Where: The Woolshed Reserve, Maitland Street, Gunnedah
Caption: A family enjoys an evening stroll near Mullibah Lagoon.
