Elderly pedestrians finally get footpath started outside Peter Sinclair Gardens Myall Coast Myall Coast by News Of The Area - Modern Media - May 23, 2023 The footpath finally staked out the busy corner of Mirreen St and Tuloa Ave. YEARS of planning, lobbying and discussion have finally come to fruition, with the beginning of construction on a much-needed footpath along Mirreen Street, Hawks Nest, connecting Peter Sinclair Gardens to Tuloa Avenue. Especially for the elderly residents of the Gardens, this is a long-held dream-come-true, and one of paramount safety. Advertise with News of The Area today. It’s worth it for your business. Message us. Phone us – (02) 4981 8882. Email us – media@newsofthearea.com.au Repeatedly delayed, for unknown reasons, the footpath was first requested in writing to the former Great Lakes Council more than fifteen years, and has left many community members flummoxed as to why it has taken so long. “This clear community need was again highlighted to the MidCoast Council during the consultation process for the 2021 Pedestrian Access and Mobility Plan,” Sandra Bourke, Secretary of the Hawks Nest Tea Gardens Progress Association Inc. (HNTGPA), told NOTA. “It’s great that the footpath linking the Peter Sinclair Gardens Retirement Village to the Hawks Nest shopping centre is finally under construction, as many frustrated locals have lobbied hard for this footpath over the long years, and HNTGPA acknowledges their efforts.” Mirreen Street is not only the main thoroughfare for ambulant residents at Peter Sinclair Gardens, but also an extremely busy route between Winda Woppa, the Myall River and Bennetts Beach, with cars, trucks, and boat trailers frequenting the street. Any pedestrians there have, until now, courted danger as they inevitably walked along the paved road surface, with no other option. “The HNTGPA hopes that further such projects, aimed at ensuring access, safety and mobility, will also be pursued, including footpaths out to Winda Woppa via Jimmys Beach, completing the Myall Street crossing upgrade, linking Myall Quays to the skate park, as well completing the Tea Gardens side of the Singing Bridge in line with the Hawks Nest underpass,” Ms Bourke added. “There is much more to be done and we will continue to advocate for action and grants.” The Progress Association will also seek community input and support to replace and restore native plants along the new Peter Sinclair footpath. By Thomas O’KEEFE The footpath is essential pedestrian infrastructure for residents at Peter Sinclair Gardens.
