FAST middle section open for use

The Fernleigh Awabakal Shared Track’s latest stage has opened to the public, with the project scheduled for full completion next month.

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Lake Macquarie City Council crews have now finished the stretch from Ocean Park Road in Belmont to Hilda Street in Belmont South, linking the shared path to the southern section that opened in 2022 alongside the Pacific Highway.

The newly opened section runs south beside Belmont Cemetery and along Green Street, before turning west beside the Belmont Golf and Bowls driving range to connect with Hilda Street.

Project Manager Tess Dziwulski said that despite recent wet weather, contractor Glascott Landscape and Civil was progressing steadily on the northern section from the end of the Fernleigh Track to Ocean Park Road.

“That will certainly be the most striking part of this landmark project,” she said.

“It will include more than 400m of elevated boardwalk beside Belmont Lagoon, an observation platform and a beautiful new bridge over Cold Tea Creek.”

Jointly funded by the Australian Government, NSW Government and Council, the Fernleigh Awabakal Shared Track (FAST) will fill in a missing link of shared pathway for cyclists and pedestrians, creating a 35km continuous active transport route from Adamstown to Murrays Beach.

Plans are underway for an official opening on Sunday 14 July at the track’s northern end, with the community invited to attend.

Council is also on track to install a shipping container café at the end of the Fernleigh Track next week.

“We’re in final negotiations with an operator and are looking forward to offering this new amenity for track users and locals in the near future,” Ms Dziwulski said.

More details on the opening will be released closer to the date.

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