Option 3 bike path recommended

Gosford Council officers have recommended "Option 3" be adopted as the route for the proposed shared footpath-cycleway through the Woy Woy CBD, between Brisbane Water Dr and Brick Wharf Rd.

A council report stated that many of the submissions urged council to retain the existing parking facilities and maintain both vehicular and pedestrian access to the "working waterfront".

It stated that "minor opposition" was offered to the proposal for the cycleway in general.

"Whilst the submissions received covered a broad range of issues, it is considered that Option 3 would best suit the opinions expressed by the public consultation process," the report stated.

"Option 3 is considered to have the least impact environmentally and should not restrict the development potential of the Woy Woy waterfront.

"It will be located clear of the existing wharves, bus facilities and restaurant."

The report stated that threshold narrowing of the road carriageway of The Bouvelarde only at the points of pedestrian/cyclist crossing would result in the loss of four car spaces which "whilst undesirable, is considered a lesser consequence in the context of the road safety benefit of the thresholds".

The report also stated that it would be necessary to acquire a small portion of the land owned by the CWA in The Boulevarde to provide sufficient width for the shared footpath-cycleway.

It stated that: "no valuation report has been obtained in respect of the recommended land acquisition however it is expected to be relatively small bearing in mind the anticipated low impact on the property."

Council officers have also recommended that funding be sought from the Roads and Traffic Authority to finance the project on a 50:50 basis.

The cycleway will form part of the overall shared footpath-cycleway which when completed will extend from Gosford through Woy Woy, past the Peninsula Leisure Centre and proceed southerly to Umina Beach and Ettalong Beach.

The report stated that funding for the shared footpath-cycleway including the associated land for road widening acquisition, would be sought through the Capital Works Program in a future budget and State Government funding.

The total project cost is estimated to be $215,000 which includes all land acquisition, construction and restoration costs.

Council agenda CIT.10, 1 May 2007