Tamworth’s growing network of footpaths and cycleways will soon grow event further thanks to $1.3 million in funding from Tranche 3 of the NSW Government’s $117 million Get NSW Active program.

Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson said the NSW Government had been making significant investments in footpaths and cycleways across Tamworth, including a $690,000 investment from the Get NSW Active program announced in August this year.

“We know how important it is to provide the infrastructure we need to promote healthy lifestyles by making it easier to get from A to B on foot or by bike,” Mr Anderson said.

“That’s why we have made significant funding available to councils to ensure they had an opportunity to grow our network of footpaths and cycleways.

“We have seen how popular our new paths have become. Paths like the Peel River walk or the Kent Street shared path are getting a lot of use because they’re safe, smooth and connect our residential areas with parks and facilities.

“The funding will also deliver 22 more ramps across the city, ensuring that our existing and new pathways are more accessible for parents with prams and for wheelchair users.”

Tamworth Region Mayor Russell Webb said the additional funding is good news for local residents and visitors.

“With the help of NSW Government funding, our shared path network has grown steadily over four years,” Cr Webb said.

“And once the works funded today are completed, we will add another 120 metres of shared path and 3.2 kilometres of new footpath.

“We have better connectivity for our community and there are enhanced recreational opportunities for walkers and cyclists.”

Minister for Active Transport Rob Stokes said the third and final tranche of the 2022 program would see $77 million in funding for 161 projects across 45 councils.

“NSW is leading the nation when it comes to investment in new active transport infrastructure, building better footpaths and bike lanes in our cities and regions,” Mr Stokes said.

“More than $18 million has been committed to projects in Western Sydney and $20 million in regional NSW, where we’re seeing a growing demand for infrastructure that helps people walk and cycle safely.

“For children, older people, parents pushing prams or people with disabilities – a street without a footpath isn’t an inconvenience - it’s a barrier to moving freely in public space. That’s why we’ve already opened applications for Get NSW Active 2023 and we’re encouraging all councils to apply now.” 

Get NSW Active 2022 received 474 applications from councils across the state with 125 Greater Sydney projects and 158 regional projects receiving funding.

More than $200 million has already been allocated to more than 400 projects over the past five years, including Parramatta Escarpment Boardwalk, Inner West Greenway, the Fernleigh Track linking Lake Macquarie to Newcastle and key segments of the Wagga Wagga Active Travel Plan.

A full list of the successful applicants is available here.

Paths funded in the Tamworth Regional Council LGA are:

• North Street – Bligh Street to Bourke Street (Calrossy)
• Garden Street – Hillview Road to Robert Street
• Pram ramp construction – 22 locations
• Robyn Street – Jean Street to Kathleen Street
• Park Street – Belmore Street to Phillip Street
• Murray Street – Marius Street to Peel Street (North and South end)
• Anthony Road Footpath – Woodward Avenue to Petra Avenue
• Thibault Street – Levee to Goonoo Goonoo Road