BREAKING NEWS: The long-anticipated pathway project in the Blue Mountains has reached a significant milestone as the Blue Mountains City Council has just released detailed designs for a new 4.5 km pathway along Hawkesbury Road. This project, which aims to enhance safety and connectivity for local communities, is scheduled to be completed in the second half of 2026.
This new pathway will create a continuous off-road connection between White Cross Road, Winmalee, and Hawkesbury Lookout, Hawkesbury Heights. The initiative is part of the Blue Mountains Active Transport Links Program, designed to improve pedestrian access and promote sustainable transport options across the region.
Blue Mountains Mayor Mark Greenhill called the release of these designs a “major milestone,” emphasizing that this active transport initiative will allow more residents, including children and the elderly, to enjoy safer streets together. “The active transport links program means that more people can enjoy our streets together,” he stated.
The project is federally funded through the Active Transport Fund and the Investing in Our Communities Program, with additional backing from the NSW government. Federal Member for Macquarie, Susan Templeman, expressed her enthusiasm about the project’s progression, saying, “I share the view of one of the respondents in the consultation: ‘Can’t wait for the pathway from Hawkesbury Heights.'” She urged residents of both Hawkesbury Heights and Winmalee to participate in the final consultation stages.
Member for Blue Mountains Trish Doyle also highlighted the community benefits, stating, “This pathway will bring so many positive benefits to the Hawkesbury Heights and Winmalee community,” reinforcing the importance of safe walking routes for residents.
The campaign for this pathway dates back over a decade, with initial promises for funding made as early as 2015. After years of advocacy, including a renewed commitment of $800,000 from both state and federal Labor in 2019, the project is finally moving forward.
Residents can engage further by attending an information stall at Winmalee Village Shopping Centre on September 4, 2025, from 3 PM to 7 PM, where council representatives will discuss the project and gather additional community feedback.
For those interested in staying updated, the council has encouraged residents to visit their Have Your Say platform at yoursay.bmcc.nsw.gov.au/hawkesbury-road to view the detailed designs and register for project updates.
This pathway is not just a construction project; it’s a leap towards enhancing community connectivity and safety in the Blue Mountains. Stay tuned for more updates as this project progresses!
