The North-West Coastal Pathway is set to be extended from Sulphur Creek to Latrobe after the state government confirmed $4.8 million of funding for the project.
It means that shared path will almost be fully completed, with the only section that now needs funding a stretch between Wynyard and Cooee.
The Tasmanian government was the last group required to commit money after federal money was allocated in May this year. The Cradle Coast Authority, a representative group of councils in the area, recommended that all levels of government contribute $4.8 million.
Chair of the Cradle Coast Authority Sid Sidebottom spoke to The Advocate and thanked the state government.
“The CCA has been in a unique position to progress this project because of its ability to act with and on behalf of its nine-member councils, as well as use its economic, environmental, and tourism skills to promote and design a fully integrated project across a large part of the region,” Mr Sidebottom said.
“By working together, the CCA has secured more than $15m for a project that will connect more than 85,000 residents between Wynyard and Latrobe, as well as present new opportunities for the visitor economy across the region.”
In a previous story about the North-West Coastal Pathway, Bicycle Network noted that plans for the section between Sulphur Creek and Latrobe needed to be carefully considered and that a four kilometre section between Penguin and Ulverstone be developed appropriately.
If that section of the path is to be built on the road, it is vital that speed limits are reduced and proper signage installed to maximise safety for people using the path.
Once completed, the path will be one of Australia's great coastal rides that brings tourism to the area, as well as giving locals a great social and physical activity destination.
Read more about the project on Bicycle Network's campaign page.