More cycle paths about to wheel out

A three-year plan to expand cycle paths will start soon after Tamworth Regional Council secured $3.284 million in State Government cycle path funding.

Tamworth Regional Council’s Mayor, Cr Col Murray welcomed the funding announcement and Council staff had been working hard to prepare plans for the funding submissions.

“In a short time Tamworth has moved ahead with its cycle ways. I want to congratulate the staff for their excellent planning and funding submissions,” Cr Murray said.

“These paths will serve our city for many decades to come.”

State Member for Tamworth, Kevin Anderson, announced the funding today and explained Roads and Maritime Services had awarded Council the money across two funding streams over a three year period.

“This is such great news as we expect this funding will complete most of the “missing links” in our existing cycling network.

“Last year I announced $1.245 million for shared pathways along Goonoo Goonoo Road, establishing a link to the Northern Inland Centre of Sporting Excellence.     “This package delivers funding over a three-year period at approximately $1 million a year. It will make a fantastic contribution to Tamworth and the many cyclists who ride for pleasure.

“This funding is for use on local roads, and includes $55k per year to be spent on signage, seating, line marking, and of journey facilities to improve the network. 

“I’m a big believer in people’s safety and the construction of these shared paths will create a safe route for people to walk or cycle to the multiple sporting facilities around Tamworth and reduce the reliance on cars. 

“This pathway will increase the number of people using the sports facilities, either for recreation or competition, and will encourage a healthy and active lifestyle by providing safe and easy pedestrian and cyclist access,” Mr Anderson concluded.

Tamworth Bicycle Users Group founder and chair, Greg Johnstone said the news of the funding was ‘unbelievable”