In total, the work to complete the pathway will cost $300,000 with council allocating $120,000 and fundraising by the community raising $25,000.

Mayor Fergus Thomson said the remaining funds would depend on grants sought from the NSW Government.

“We hope these will be available soon to allow the work to be completed this year,” Cr Thomson said.

So far, there are 5,860 metres of 2.5 metre wide pathway running between the Dalmeny shops to the boardwalk at North Narooma.

Cr Thomson said this fantastic achievement was made possible by funds provided by the community and council together with grant funding from the NSW Coastal Cycleway Program, the Australian Government Regional Partnership Program and the RTA Cycleway Program.

“The work has been a joint partnership between volunteers and Council and the pathway is a wonderful example of council and the community working together,” he said.

The final section of the pathway will be constructed away from the road edge and has involved minor tree clearing, filling works and the construction of low retaining walls along the edge of the wetland.

“The construction of the retaining wall will join the existing pathway north of the wetlands to the new pathway at the entrance to the boat ramp car park,” Cr Thomson said.

A viewing platform and story board will also be incorporated into this final stage, adjacent to the wetland and will capture the area’s interesting history, flora and fauna.

Councillor Lindsay Brown said the works that are now underway were a major step forward to completing the final leg of this fantastic shared pathway between Dalmeny and North Narooma.

“This is a project that the Narooma community can take great pride in and one that will bring significant benefits to the area well into the future,” Cr Lindsay Brown said.

The southbound lane of Centenary Drive is now closed to traffic to allow pedestrians and cyclists a safe route through the work site during the six weeks it is expected to complete the works. The traffic will be controlled by traffic lights.

Coincidentally, a survey conducted by the Australian Bicycle Council released last week showed strong interest from local government in cycling and the provision of cycling infrastructure.

In June and July last year, Eurobodalla was one of 55 councils that participated in the national survey carried out with the support of Australian Local Government Association.

Key findings will be listed at www.naroomanewsonline.com.au