Lake Macquarie North Ward council candidate Bryce Ham's push for long touted Charlestown to Dudley pathway

North Ward council candidate Bryce Ham says the proposed Charlestown to the Coast shared path is a major priority of his election campaign, and deserves action due to a strong desire in the community for it and solid feasibility.

The pathway involves two sections - Charlestown to the Fernleigh Track at Whitebridge, and Whitebridge to Dudley.

The Dudley connection was first proposed in the original plan for Fernleigh Track in 1997, but has not been developed in that time.

Mr Ham isn't the first to push for the project, which has received support from Lake Macquarie Council but has hit obstacles over the years.

Advocacy group Cycle Safe Network has long called for a five kilometre pathway incorporating the old railway corridor at Dudley.

Residents also say they have also been lobbying council for the Dudley connection for about 20 years.

Dudley resident Phillip Buckner pointed out in a September Letter to the Editor that "Charlestown, the largest commercial centre in Lake Macquarie, still has no cycling connections to anywhere".

Mr Ham said the proposed pathway would be a great connection point for a number of local schools and sporting facilities, as well as Charlestown Square.

He said the rail corridor was a bit blocked off and overgrown, but a highly feasible route.

"There have been a number of proposals but it hasn't gone ahead," Mr Ham said.

"Heaps of times council says it's in the plan, but it keeps getting pushed back."

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As an advocate for reducing cars on the road through better public transport and cycling routes, Mr Ham said the proposal would reduce congestion on Dudley Road, offer a viable alternative to driving and create a safer place for cyclists to ride, particularly as the surrounding area continues to grow.

"A lot of people cycle on Dudley Road," he said. "There's little space, sharp corners, so this would be great for improving safety."

Lake Macquarie Council said this week the route was on the agenda, but "design and construction will be subject to funding and inclusion in future council operational plans".

The first stage of the project - from Charlestown to Whitebridge - was included in the 2021/22 operational plan as one of nine feasibility projects for new capital works.

A council spokesperson said the first part of the project would involve a feasibility and planning process.

"Council officers will identify and assess potential route options, analysing each route in accordance with planning and design principles outlined in our Walking, Cycling and Better Street Strategy," the spokesperson said.

"This assessment will also identify opportunities, constraints and risks for each option, and provide a high-order cost estimate for each option."

The assessments will then form the basis of community consultation next year, before more detailed investigations and further progress of the preferred route take place.

The second stage between Whitebridge and Dudley is likely to be investigated after planning takes place for the Charlestown to Whitebridge section.

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