Nothing says ‘officially open’ like a ribbon cutting ceremony.
It was an honour granted to Gunnedah’s new riverside pathway last weekend celebrated by local cyclists, runners and walking enthusiasts during a brief ceremony at the Woolshed Reserve.
Gunnedah Shire Council said the Riverine Stormwater Precinct Shared Pathway connects Mullibah Lagoon to the Namoi River.
It forms part of a connected loop that includes 3970 metres of cycleways and shared pathways in the area.
Gunnedah shire mayor Colleen Fuller told those gathered at the official opening how we’re fortunate to live in a “great part of the world” on the banks of the Namoi.
“One of the best ways to make the most of that is to provide places where people can enjoy it,” Cr Fuller said.
“While this path has already proven popular, we are here today to officially open this project and celebrate the completion of the pathway as well as new work along Wandobah Road where this is now better low fencing, seating and rubbish bins.
“Both this shared pathway and the Wandobah Road Open Space Enhancement Project have largely funded through the NSW Public Spaces Legacy Program.
“That’s exactly what this program has allowed us to do – leave a legacy for Gunnedah shire people to have more opportunity to enjoy what we have to offer.”
New concrete pathways now stretch from Carroll Street, past Geoff Morgan Playing Fields and Mullibah Lagoon, along Maitland Street and the Namoi River to Cohens Bridge.
It includes a stormwater bridge at the Osric Street and is lined with solar lighting.
The new shared pathway continues alongside Donnelly Playing Fields and connects to the Dorothea Mackellar silo mural on Barber Street.
Existing pathways also connect past the Gunnedah’s new road-over-rail bridge onwards to South Street, Wandoabh Road and beyond.
Meanwhile, volunteers from the Rotary Club of Gunnedah have been busily installing new picnic tables along the Namoi pathways and bench seating at Donnelly fields. The projects were completed with remaining grants secured under the Shenhua Watermark Coal Community Fund.
Rotary’s Rod Browne said the Namoi River recreational area was once a “no-go zone” but had advanced significantly in the last 40 years.
“It is great to see the pathway being used and people pursuing an active, healthy lifestyle,” he said.
Mr Browne said future plans may also include an avenue of trees along the Maitland section of pathway – possibly flood-tolerant River Red Gums or some other shade-offering species.
Gunnedah shire councillors Linda Newell and Tammey McAllan joined the mayor for the ribbon cutting ceremony.
It was one of the first official events for the newly elected, council representatives.
Ms McAllan said the riverside pathway is a popular choice for her family outings.
“We love it – we’re often down here on weekends, sometimes through the week,” she said.
“I have a basket on my bike, so sometimes we bring a picnic too.”
Also offering his pathway approval was avid local cyclist, Garry Turner.
“The freedom of getting out in the great outdoors, riding in this area, is of great benefit,” he said.
Rotary’s Rod Browne, Gunnedah shire mayor Colleen Fuller and councillor Tammey McAllan speaking at the opening ceremony.
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