NELSON Bay residents are protesting the creation of a 500-metre long and three-metre wide concrete shared pathway between Halifax and Harwood Avenue.
The $1.25m project was funded by Transport for NSW’s Get NSW Active 2025–26 program, with the stated objective of safely connecting the region’s most popular locations and creating active and inclusive communities.
A sizable crowd of people turned up at a community engagement meeting on Tuesday 12 May to voice their opposition to the paving of what was previously a natural track.
Until now, the path has been fully maintained by the community, and locals have expressed their disappointment at the imminent loss of a green, quiet area.
Many questioned the need for a paved path, claiming that the majority of residents, even those with mobility issues, are able to easily access the current track.
Another cause for concern is the risk that the new pathway will significantly endanger pedestrians by further encouraging e-bike and e-scooter riders to cut through the area at high speeds.
In response, a Port Stephens Council spokesperson said, “The community told us through the 2024 Liveability Survey and Shoal Bay Place Plan engagement, that safe, shared paths that connect homes and amenities are important to them.
“Wide pathways in open areas with good sight distance are the preferred option to cater for all community needs.”
Regarding the e-bike concerns, councillors endorsed a Notice of Motion on the topic at their March meeting, with the objective of improving road safety outcomes.
Alternative routes were also considered, but Council is confident that the current iteration of the plan is ideal, and will allow for the creation of a safe, car-free environment, while respecting the vegetation in the area.
Construction of the Halifax to Harwood shared pathway will start in September 2026 and is expected to take three months.
The detailed construction plans are available to view online on Port Stephens Council’s Projects and Works page.
By Nico LOMBARDO
You can help your local paper.
Make a small once-off, or (if you can) a regular donation.
We are an independent family owned business and our newspapers are free to collect and our news stories are free online.
Help support us into the future.
