Schools to Schools shared pathway growing

This 1.2km shared pathway between Mountain View Road and Glen Haven Drive will provide safe off road access for both pedestrians and cyclists along this narrow section of Ocean Drive.

Eventually the path will stretch from Kendall Public School to Laurieton Public School - some 14kms - providing easy, safe and healthy access for all pedestrians, cyclists and those using mobility aids.

The path will link the communities of Kendall, Kew and Laurieton.

Schools to Schools is a project run entirely by volunteers, supported by Port Macquarie-Hastings Council and NSW State Government. The latest section was funded equally by both council and state.

The committee came together just two years ago with the shared desire to see a pathway built, especially for students attending the regional high school, Camden Haven High, which offered no safe walking/cycling path.

The project blossomed and gained strong support from the local community who continue to raise funds to build the path. Much of the funding for the work so far has come from local government and state community grants, applied for by the volunteers.

Camden Haven High School principal, Margaret Hutchinson congratulated all involved in the Schools to Schools project on the work completed so far.

"The section of the footpath from Glen Haven Drive to Mountain View Road has provided, after 15 years, safe and easy access for students and staff," Mrs Hutchinson said.

"The transformation of the completed section is truly amazing and most pleasing to see community members of all ages able to walk in safety.

"The Mayor, Peter Bessling made a commitment to the Schools to Schools group for council to improve the infrastructure around footpaths and the completion of the initial identified sections supports this.

"My students have made many positive comments on the completed section near Camden Haven High School and are eagerly looking forward to the completion of the next sections. You have our full support, well done to the team and council."

Debra King (parent and Schools to Schools committee member) said the pathway is more than just concrete on the ground.

"This pathway is a positive and healthy move for the entire Camden Haven community," Debra said.

"It will connect this rapidly growing community, in many beneficial ways for a long time to come."

Klaus Kruening (local cyclist) said, "Cyclists welcome the progress of the pathway especially around narrow sections of Ocean Drive. It will extend our life span."

Michael Knowles (local parent) said, "Finally, a pathway for the family to ride bikes safely and enable us to catch up with friends without having to get into the car."

Port Macquarie-Hastings Council mayor Peter Besseling said this community-driven project is a great example of government and communities working together to provide vital infrastructure.

"The project has allowed the community to highlight their priorities around a bigger, long-term project and allowed the council to use funding and resources to achieve a positive outcome in partnership with local people," Cr Besseling said. 

"It also represents extremely good value for money, which benefits all ratepayers in the Local Government Area, and creates great social outcomes through community members achieving a common goal for the common good.

"Congratulations to the committee and volunteers on all your efforts so far, in particular Jason Koenig and John Cooke, whose wise approach has allowed for the partnership to happen. This approach has been embraced by the Camden Haven community on a number of projects and the benefits are clear for everyone to see."

Camden Haven Schools to Schools Shared Pathway Committee will be presenting to council at the general meeting at 5.30pm on October 21 in the School of Arts Building, Laurieton.