The Coastal Pathway is a key infrastructure initiative aimed at providing an accessible, sustainable, and health-promoting active transport network along the north west coast of Tasmania.
This pathway connects coastal communities, encourages physical activity, reduces car dependency, and provides a major boost to tourism and local economies.
In 2010, CCA, in conjunction with Safer Roads for Cyclists Tasmania, released the North West Coastal Pathway Plan; the plan outlined alternatives for constructing approximately 110 km of shared pathway to connect the communities of the north west coast of Tasmania.
To realise this vision, it is essential that the path is completed, easily accessible, safe to use, and inclusive for as many people as possible. Tasmania’s public health statistics reveal that many individuals in our community are affected by inadequate levels of physical activity.
OUTCOMES AND BENEFITS OF THE COASTAL PATHWAY
Health & Wellbeing: Encourages active transport will improve public health and reduce healthcare costs.
Environmental Impact: By reducing car dependency, we can help reduce emissions and contribute to Tasmania’s climate goals.
Economic Growth: Promotes local tourism and small business growth, while also generating job opportunities in construction and maintenance.
Community Connectivity: Increase accessibility for residents and visitors, creating a more connected and vibrant region.
CONSTRUCTING THE COASTAL PATHWAY
CCA project managed four significant sections of the Coastal Pathway on behalf of the Central Coast, Devonport City and Latrobe Councils. The Sulphur Creek to Penguin, West Ulverstone, Leith to Don, and Ambleside to Latrobe were funded for construction via funding committed by our Local, State and Federal Governments in 2019. Construction of these four sections was completed in late 2023.
Councils have overseen individual municipality sections using a variety of funding sources.
FUTURE WORK
Today, 14 years since the plan was developed, the pathway nearly extends along the coast from Latrobe to Wynyard. However, our longer-term goal is to expand the pathway to connect the region from Latrobe to Smithton by including links within each coastal town and extending to nearby satellite communities.
MAXIMISING THE SHARED COASTAL PATHWAY’S IMPACT
Our challenge is to increase local use of the pathway and attract business and tourism investments to draw more visitors. It should be more than just a “nice place to walk or ride.” While usage has exceeded our expectations, our next goal is to build on this momentum.
Safe places: Implement safety measures such as secure bike storage, clear signage, and safety improvements along key sections.
Promotion: Launch initiatives to promote active transport, including partnerships with local schools, businesses, and community groups.
Data collection: Conduct studies on user patterns, preferences, and needs to improve future design and outreach.
Web support: Develop a web app to support pathway users with interactive maps, distance information, park-and-ride facilities, and health tips. The app will provide opportunities for advertising revenue to sustain future development.
INCOMPLETE SECTIONS AND POTENTIAL NEW CONNECTIONS
CCA is actively advocating for funding at both the Federal and State levels to address the incomplete sections of the Coastal Pathway. While recognising that there are engineering and construction challenges for the incomplete sections, a pathway is not a pathway when there are missing links.
Further investigation and feasibility will provide a solution to addressing the physical constraints of cliffs/road/highway/rail line and places where high tide marks do not accommodate the space required for the shared pathway.
As seen on the map below, there are three incomplete sections that need to be addressed, these are:
East of Burnie: Round Hill, Titan Point, Chasm Creek through to Howth – needs feasibility study.
Penguin to Ulverstone: Lonah, Lodders Point, Three Sisters Island Reserve – feasibility study currently in progress.
Wynyard to Circular Head: feasibility of the pathway being extended 74 km between Wynyard and Stanley, completed.
In addition to completing the main pathway, CCA will work with local councils to identify additional connection points to satellite settlements, tourist attractions, recreation areas, and urban streets, resulting in a plan for future pathway extensions.
PROJECT CONTACT:
[email protected]
COASTAL PATHWAY PUBLICATIONS
