FAQs
Option one – a 2.5m-wide shared pathway on the nature strip from Flora Close to Lonus Avenue and Kopa Street
Option two – a 2.2m-wide separated road cycleway from Flora Close to Lonus Avenue and Kopa Street
Option three – a 3m-wide shared pathway on the nature strip from Waran Road to Kopa Street, with access provided to Flora Close.
- Loss of parking at school along southern side of Flora Close
- Requires additional road crossings at Turrug, Tumpoa and Kurraka streets.
- Offers no additional benefits when compared to other route options
- Does not provide a separate footpath
- Offers no additional benefits when compared to other route options
- Crossing multiple driveways and additional road crossings at Turrug, Tumpoa and Kurraka streets
- Does not provide a direct connection to Whitebridge High School
- Offers no additional benefits when compared to other route options
- Comparatively high number of driveway and road crossings
- Does not provide a direct connection to Whitebridge High School
- Offers no additional benefits when compared to other route options
- Does not provide a separate footpath
- Land is not owned by Council so land acquisition would be required
- Negative interaction with cemetery
- Removal of natural vegetation required
- Steep topography impacts route accessibility
- Does not provide a direct connection to Whitebridge High School
- Has a number of difficult road crossings
- Crosses busy sport field entrances
- Route passes along busy roads
- Presented as part of previous consultation and was not identified as a preferred route by the community
- Land is not owned by Council so land acquisition would be required
- Steepness of route would detract from its appeal and accessibility
- Comparatively expensive (i.e. this option is five times more expensive than option three via Waran Road)
- Does not provide direct connection to Whitebridge town centre
- Significant environmental impact and loss of existing established trees
- The route is excessively steep, impacting accessibility
- Route relies on using the existing dam wall, which is not currently wide enough to accommodate a shared pathway
- The existing track will continue to provide a direct access for people walking from the Fernleigh Track to Lonus Ave and Whitebridge High School
What are the next steps for this project?
On Monday 28 August 2023, Council received and noted a community petition and agreed to undertake further investigations for options on the preferred and potential routes for the section of the shared pathway/cycleway currently planned for Lonus Avenue.
We are now seeking further community feedback on three route options for the section of shared pathway/cycleway through Whitebridge:
You can provide feedback on the route options by completing our online survey before Friday 15 December 2023.
Alternatively, you can provide feedback in person at our community engagement event at Riawenna Park, corner Kopa Street and Lonus Avenue, from 3:30-6pm on Thursday 30 November 2023.
How were the three route options selected?
The three route options being presented for community feedback were selected for their ability to provide direct connections to local schools and other parts of the shared pathway network, their flat topography, safety benefit compared to other options, value for money, and the time required to deliver.
You can view our route options map to learn more about the pros and cons of each route option.
What other alternative route options were investigated and why were these ruled out?
Council investigated and ruled out several route options for the shared pathway/cycleway connection through Whitebridge. These routes are not being included for feedback under this consultation.
Lonus Avenue (western side) on nature strip | |
Waran Road (eastern side) | |
| Waran Road to Lonus Avenue via Turrug, Tumpoa or Kurraka streets (Access via Kurraka Street shown in image)  | |
Guna Street to Kopa Street via the back of the sports field and alongside the cemetery | |
Bula Street connecting to Dudley Road and Lonus Avenue | |
Burwood Dam | |
Flora Close and over dam (crossing over dam wall) |
Why build a shared pathway/cycleway linking Charlestown and Whitebridge?
The project will create a safe and accessible active transport route between Charlestown and Whitebridge, providing connections to key destinations such as schools and shops and intersecting with the existing Fernleigh Track at Whitebridge.
A shared pathway/cycleway will provide better, safer links for people of all abilities moving between Charlestown and the Fernleigh Track at Whitebridge and help meet the growing demand for walking and cycling for transport and recreation in the area.
Council’s Cycling Strategy 2021 identifies this project as a high priority, as it connects Charlestown to the Lake Macquarie and Newcastle regional cycling network.
What are the timeframes for design and construction?
Design of the route is expected to continue over the next two years, with construction proceeding subject to funding and inclusion in future Council Operational Plans.