First stage of coastal walk opened

Wollongong Council general manager David Farmer, Wollongong Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbery, State MP for Heathcote Lee Evans and Wollongong Cr Leigh Colacino celebrate the opening of the Grand Pacific Walk link between Stanwell Park and Coalcliff. Photo: Wollongong City Council.

WITH postcard perfect views over the ocean and providing a much-needed key pedestrian link between Stanwell Park and Coalcliff, the first stage of the Grand Pacific Walk has opened in time for Christmas.

The 3.5km link from Stanwell Park to Stoney Creek bridge, Coalcliff, and includes a viewing platform with expansive views along the coast and out over the Pacific.

Grand Pacific Walk is a long term project, with new sections proposed to connect with the existing footpaths and shared pathways. Eventually the walk will link Stanwell Park in the north to Windang in the south.

Wollongong Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbery said the Grand Pacific Walk is a major project to encourage an active and healthy lifestyle for community members.

“We encourage all community members to take part in a walk on the new section of the Grand Pacific Walk. It offers great views up the coast to the Royal National Park, as well as joins the northern villages of Stanwell Park to Coalcliff and the Sea Cliff Bridge,” Cr Bradbery said.

“Prior to this stage opening there was no safe and reliable access between these two villages. Now community members and visitors can walk or cycle this stage and enjoy the most majestic views of the coastline. Council has also designed a small section of the pathway which will be perfect for your selfie shots for social media.”

State MP for Heathcote Lee Evans said it was exciting to see the walk open.

“The Grand Pacific Walk Stage 1 project is proudly funded by the NSW Government under the Restart NSW Illawarra Infrastructure Fund in association with Wollongong City Council,’’ he said.

“This fantastic concept was originally brought forward by Councillor Leigh Colacino and it gives me great pleasure to see this iconic walk now open”

The Grand Pacific Walk Stage 1 project was funded by the NSW Government who contributed $5 million under the Restart NSW Illawarra Infrastructure Fund in association with Wollongong City Council.