A report about extending the coastal pathway from Wynyard to Stanley has been released but both Circular Head and Waratah-Wynyard councils say there’s no rush on the project.
Waratah-Wynyard Council received a $192,000 grant from the Tasmanian government to commission a feasibility study into extending the coastal pathway from Wynyard to Stanley and Smithton.
The report examined a potential 75km path between Wynyard and Stanley, finding construction of the pathway would cost $29-31million in 2024 with annual maintenance costs of $200,000 to be shared between the councils.
There is no clear route between Smithton and Stanley so that possibility has been excluded from the report and there is more work to be done.
Speaking to The Advocate newspaper, Circular Head mayor Gerard Blizzard said seeking funding for the pathway was not at the top of his council’s agenda.
“The feasibility study provides the worst and best case scenarios. Now it needs to be hitting the sweet spot of both councils before we start chasing funding.
“It hasn’t been scuttled, but when it is a plus for both councils that’s when it will happen,” he said.
Waratah-Wynyard Council will discuss the report at its 16 December meeting and general manager Daniel Summers says its priority is to complete ongoing projects rather than seek funding for new projects.
In summarising a potential path the report’s author Burchills Engineering Solutions says:
“Overall, the Wynyard to Stanley Smithton Shared User Trail represents a relatively low-cost, low-risk project with high potential benefits. By leveraging the region's natural beauty and promoting active tourism, the trail can significantly enhance North-West Tasmania's economic and social landscape, making it a more attractive place to live and visit.“
What would a path to Stanley look like?
- 25km in the Waratah-Wynyard municipality, 49km in Circular Head.
- Trailheads at Stanley, Myalla and Wynyard
- Uses the old rail corridor between Wynyard and Wiltshire
- Follows the Bass and Stanley highways from Wiltshire
- Possible 22,000 visitors a year on top of local use
- Trail visitors to spend about $7.5 million a year
The report can be viewed in the Circular Head Council agenda from 21 November 2024.
Image: Taspictures