Construction is underway for the final stage of the Magenta Shared Pathway to link pedestrians and cyclists from The Entrance with Toukley.
In recent years Central Coast Council has developed two new planning documents: Central Coast Bike Plan and Pedestrian Access and Mobility Plan (PAMP). Council is committed to creating a vibrant active transport network which is outlined in these recently adopted plans for the future of the region’s footpaths, bike paths and shared paths.
The purpose of these documents is to provide a safe, high quality and a well-connected network that enables pedestrians and cyclists of all abilities to move efficiently and conveniently throughout the Central Coast while also increasing the continuity and connectivity of existing facilities and encouraging the use of active transport. A number of projects will provide an affordable and accessible form of sustainable transport and recreational activity contributing towards reducing our carbon footprint and traffic congestion and is seen as an attractive transport option. During development of these Plans extensive community consultation was carried out with near record levels of feedback on the future of the region’s footpaths, bike paths and shared paths being captured.
One of two signature projects within the Central Coast Bike Plan is the Magenta Shared Path project to provide a high-quality facility separated from vehicles and enhance access around Tuggerah Lakes.
What’s happening
Construction is underway for the final stage of the Magenta Shared Pathway to link pedestrians and cyclists from The Entrance with Toukley.
This project stage includes a three metre wide elevated and on-ground shared path over a length of 3.7 km located in the road corridor adjacent to Wilfred Barret Drive and the Wyrrabalong National Park.
Weather permitting, construction is due for completion by end of 2025.
Frequently asked questions
How will this project improve accessibility for the community?
The proposed section of shared pathway will provide the last link to an existing off-road shared pathway network. The completion of this section of shared pathway will join The Entrance in the south with Toukley to the north and is a section of the of the Tuggerah Lake Loop.
This shared pathway also forms part of the NSW Coastline Cycleway route, which is identified in the NSW Bike Plan (NSW Government, 2010) as a continuous cycling and walking route along the entire NSW coastline from Queensland to Victoria.
What community consultation has been undertaken for this project?
The concerns of the local community have been considered. Consultation was undertaken with local community groups and National Parks about the proposed alignment of the pathway during the early planning stages, including communication releases and public meetings at the time. The shared path alignment does not encroach into the Wyrrabalong National Park.
What is the estimated construction completion date for this project?
Weather permitting, late 2025.
Is this project in Central Coast Council’s Operational Plans?
Yes. Operational Plan 23/24 - REF NO. L79
How is the project being funded?
The Magenta Shared Pathway project is one of two signature projects in the Central Coast Bike Plan funded by developer contributions. The Local Infrastructure Plan 2023 Section 7.12 reports that overall $42M will be invested in the Central Coast Bike Plan between 2023/24 to 2027/28.
Has an environmental assessment been undertaken?
In 2015, during the planning stages of the project, the proposed pathway site was identified as having significant environmentally sensitive areas, including Endangered Ecological Communities and threatened species. In accordance with State and Commonwealth legislation the project has undergone an extensive assessment and approval process with relevant regulatory authorities. In 2021 the design, biodiversity assessment and review of environmental factors (REF), assessed under Part 5 of the NSW Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (EPA Act) were finalised in concurrence with an approval under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) – (EPBC REF:2017/7926).
In designing this project, due consideration was given to endangered species, and ecological communities. The related REF/EPBC documents that qualify this project approval can be found on Council’s environmental management page, and covers these concerns: https://www.centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/environment/environmental-programs/environmental-management
How is Council ensuring compliance with the conditions of the environmental approval?
The principal contractor, Council officers and an independent ecologist are undertaking regular monitoring and inspections of the worksite to ensure ongoing compliance with the environmental requirements for this project.
GPS survey equipment is also being used to map and monitor the approved construction boundaries. Pre and post clearing surveys and reports are being completed progressively for each substage of the works.
What benefit will this project have on the existing environmental communities in the surrounding area?
Offsets for the loss of vegetation will be undertaken and are conditioned under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 concurrence in the form of a vegetation management plan. Preparation works have been completed over the past two years including offsite propagation of over 14,600 local native plants from the area, comprising over 42 separate plant species (including local provenance material of the Magenta Lilly Pilly). In addition, any identified hollows are being substituted with individual nest boxes strategically placed within proximity to each removed tree.