Grand plans for a walking, cycling loop of Lake Illawarra take a big step forward

There's good news for the thousands of people who enjoy nothing more than a relaxing walk or cycle around Lake Illawarra.

Wollongong Council has confirmed prioritising a masterplan which it's hoped will eventually lead to a 37-kilometre bike and pedestrian path which circles the entire Lake unbroken.

"We're currently developing the Lake Illawarra Shared Path Masterplan which focuses on a key southern link in Wollongong's active transport network," a Council spokesperson said. "It lays out a plan to help better connect our southern suburbs around the Lake, while providing an attractive recreational path for our community to enjoy."

One of the key pieces of work will be to overcome constraints, including environmental factors and land ownership along the Lake foreshore area.

"There are some current missing links in the loop," the spokesperson said. "These constraints are being examined in further detail before determining a preferred route."

Council has engaged a consultant to investigate potential routes and to determine what is most suitable and feasible.

"As we consider the longer-term plans to complete the route, we're also looking at more short-term improvements that we can prioritise for inclusion in our Infrastructure Delivery Program that align with the significant investment required to achieve long-term vision for the shared path.

"Once we've completed this review, we'll be undertaking a targeted community engagement on the draft Masterplan."

 Council expects to commence that consultation in the next three months.

This project is a key element in the Wollongong Cycling Strategy 2030 which in its 10-year vision is aiming to create an additional 50km of on-road cycling routes and 35km of off-road cycling routes by partnering with the NSW and federal governments.  This will expand the existing network from approximately 130km in 2020 to nearly 215km in 2030.