Residents of Sydney’s inner west are one step closer to being able to walk, run and cycle between the Cooks River and Iron Cove after the state government committed an additional $9.8 million towards the long-awaited greenway.
The shared path, which will follow the route of the Inner West Light Rail Line, is one of 55 projects in the greater Sydney region to receive a share of $40 million of funding that will be unveiled by the NSW government on Friday.
Active transport minister Rob Stokes said the grants would give families added opportunities for commuting and recreation, giving them the chance to leave the car at home and “leave more money in hip-pockets”.
The path to the Richard Murden Reserve in Haberfield has already been completed.Credit:Wolter-Peeters
“The evidence is clear that investing in active transport infrastructure makes local communities happier, healthier and more productive,” he said.
The shared path, or greenway, will provide a continuous link between the Cooks River cycle path and the popular Bay Run at Iron Cove, which is close to city bike corridors.
The Inner West Council approved a master plan for the greenway in 2018 and expected it to be in use by the end of 2021, but the $45 million project is now slated for completion by 2024.
Greens councilor Marghanita da Cruz said funding had been one of the major delays to the project. She said building the greenway would help keep up with development in the area, as well as increased demand for recreation after coronavirus lockdowns.
“I don’t know why it’s taken so long because that extra pathway is really important to the community,” she said.