A COASTAL path connecting Burns Beach and Mindarie could become reality within three years following a State Government announcement and local council decision this week.
Planning Minister Donna Faragher visited Burns Beach on October 10 to announce a $2 million allocation for the path, which would follow the coastline before meandering through Tamala Park Conservation Reserve.
“This is something that the local Member and the local community have been very supportive of for a very long time,” she said.
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“The connection of this path through Tamala conservation park will result in an uninterrupted near-coastal route from Jindalee almost all the way to Fremantle.”
Ocean Reef MLA Albert Jacob, who is also Environment Minister, said the coastal path from Fremantle to Burns Beach was already an iconic route.
MORE: Coastal path gets $2 million promise from State Government
“It’s already a tourist attraction on its own – this will only increase its appeal,” he said.
On Tuesday night, City of Wanneroo councillors unanimously agreed to give in-principle support for the funding proposal.
According to the October council meeting agendas for the cities of Wanneroo and Joondalup, the State Government has indicated it would provide $1 million in 2017-18 and another $1 million the following year.
It asked both cities to make equal contributions towards the remaining cost of the $2.9 million project.
While recommending in-principle support, both reports said the cities had not yet received formal written advice about the State Government proposal, so further clarity was needed.
The recommendations asked for clarification on land management arrangements, environmental constraints and timing of completion of the Burns Beach Estate and the path within it.
Sub-division approval for that estate required developer Peet Ltd to build the southern section that runs through its landholding, expected to cost $1.1 million.
The reports said the maximum contribution from each City should be $400,000, with the State Government also wanting the cities to maintain the path.
Wanneroo Mayor Tracey Roberts said thousands of people in both cities had signed petitions calling for the path in the past decade.
Mrs Roberts said a dual-use path would benefit cyclists, walkers, people pushing prams and those using wheelchairs or other mobility aids, and encourage tourism along the coast.
The Joondalup council is due to consider the matter next Tuesday.
At Tuesday’s briefing session, governance and strategy director Jamie Parry said another report would be submitted to the council for its consideration, including determining the City’s maximum financial contribution, once it had received clarification.
The City will also be required to revoke a previous council decision that the State Government will cover the construction and maintenance costs.