THE Mid Richmond Three Villages Cycleway project has received a boost, securing $5,392,000 from the Australian Government’s Road Safety Program and the NSW government.
The Road Safety Program aims to improve road safety by minimising the occurrence of severe injuries and fatalities, with a focus on vulnerable road users like pedestrians and cyclists.
At a cost of around $20 million, the Three Villages Cycleway project is designed to connect Evans Head, Woodburn and Broadwater, and will be a great boon for tourists and locals alike.
Some sections have already been constructed and designs for the remaining sections are being finalised.
This funding will allow the installation of a shared path on Woodburn-Evans Head Road, joining the Ray Jeffrey Memorial Cycleway already in place from the Riverside Retirement Village, Doonbah.
Richmond Valley Council’s General Manager, Vaughan Macdonald, said the funding will go towards the construction of 5.8 kilometres of shared pathway, designed for pedestrians and cyclists.
“This investment is vital for enhancing community connectivity, encouraging active lifestyles, and is crucial in fostering closer ties between neighbouring communities.
“By linking our villages with shared pathways, we are creating stronger connections – not just physically, but socially and environmentally.
“We’re excited to see residents of all ages and abilities enjoying these spaces for walking, cycling and connecting with each other,” Mr Macdonald said.
The Three Villages Cycleway project aligns with the Mid Richmond place plans and the Community Strategic Plan. Once completed, the pathways will provide vital links to schools, parks, businesses and other community hubs to enhance accessibility for all residents and visitors.
The pathway will create a 2.5-metre-wide shared user path and includes pedestrian refuges, kerb, gutters and ramps, property access reconstruction, drainage, culverts, new bridge treatments, safety barriers and landscaping.
The project is set to begin soon and should take around 12 months to complete.
Quotes attributable to NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison:
“I’m thrilled to see the Three Villages Cycleway moving forward—this is a fantastic project that will connect communities, enhance safety, and promote healthier, more active lifestyles.
“This investment in regional NSW infrastructure will help improve road safety, reduce road trauma, and make journeys safer for all who live in and travel through regional NSW.”
“Our goal is simple: everyone on our roads should return home safely to their loved ones. This investment is a crucial step toward making that a reality.”
Quotes attributable to Federal Assistant Minister for Regional Development, Senator Anthony Chisholm:
“This almost half a billion dollars’ worth of new funding is all part of our collective commitment to significantly reduce the number of road deaths and serious injuries on our roads, and I thank the NSW Government for their collaboration on this.
“It’s critical that we continue to support safety projects in regional and metropolitan areas across the country as Australia’s road toll is far too high.
“The wider Road Safety Program forms part of the Albanese Government’s ongoing commitment to work with state and territory governments to fund the priority road safety works they identify.
“These projects won’t just improve safety they will also support thousands of construction jobs across the state.