Andrew Constance MP has announced exciting news for both locals and visitors to the Eurobodalla saying a a new waterside walking trail is on the way.
"Thanks to the Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund, co-funded by the NSW and Australian Governments, we’ve announced $5.2m to help deliver the Batemans Bay Coastal Headlands Walking Trail."
"The funding will help with the construction of a 30km accessible walking track, starting at Observation Point in Batehaven - where a new lookout will be built - and stretching south along the headlands to Pretty Point near Mackenzies Beach
"We know the Eurobodalla is home to some of the state’s most beautiful beaches and coastlines. And we’ll soon have yet another reason for visitors to come, stay a little longer and spend money in our local businesses". Council advise that the coastal walking trail linking the headlands and beaches of Batemans Bay's southern shoreline, including construction of a lookout at Observation Point in Batehaven will be funded from $5.25M from the Commonwealth and NSW Government’s Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund, $672,000 from Building Better Regions Fund, $145,000 from Bushfire Regional Tourism Fund, $75,000 from Stronger Country Communities Fund, along with contributions from Rotary Club and Council.
Council say they will deliver a coastal walking trail to further enhance the area as a nature-based holiday destination.
The Batemans Bay coastal headlands walking trail will be a 33km continuous walking track linking headlands and beaches, starting from a new lookout at Observation Point in Batehaven and stretching to Pretty Point at McKenzies Beach. The trail is also proposed to connect the retail centres of Batehaven, Surf Beach and Malua Bay with the broader network of walking and cycling trails at Batehaven and Batemans Bay.
Council say "The trail will be easy to navigate and feature interpretive signage, Aboriginal and European cultural and historical referencing, and viewing spots. It can be experienced as a single day walk or short walks over multiple days, linking into the popular National Parks four-day signature Murramarang walk."
"The project aims to grow the visitor economy by attracting a high-value demographic for longer stays. This tourism product will aid bushfire recovery and level out Eurobodalla's seasonality with a year-round attraction that isn't beach dependent. The trail is forecast to attract around 26,000 visitors a year. and the direct spending associated with these visitors is approximately $0.4 million per year."
