Communities within the Gladstone Region are enjoying the benefits of improved connectivity courtesy of a joint funding initiative between Gladstone Regional Council and the Queensland Government through the Cycle Network Local Government Grants Program.

Two major shared pathway projects have recently been completed at Tannum Sands and Seventeen Seventy, filling a “missing link” at the respective communities.

In February, an 800m shared pathway located along Captain Cook Drive at Seventeen Seventy was completed, providing suitable access for pedestrians and cyclists between the SES Grounds and Seventeen Seventy Marina.

Tannum Sands residents have been utilising a newly built shared pathway after a 600m stretch along Tannum Sands Road between Coronation Drive and Hampton Drive was completed in January.

The total cost for the Captain Cook Drive project was $910,500, while the Tannum Sands project cost $320,000.

The Queensland Government contributed 50 per cent towards the cost of the respective projects through its Cycle Network Local Government Grants Program.

Gladstone Region Mayor Matt Burnett said the Captain Cook Drive project completed the link between Agnes Water and the Seventeen Seventy township.

“The Captain Cook Drive shared pathway was the missing link between both townships and a project that received significant community backing,” Councillor Burnett said.

“Since the completion of this project, cyclists have a safer, dedicated path to actively commute between Agnes Water and Seventeen Seventy.

“The completion of the Tannum Sands shared pathway enables users to better access shopping facilities and to connect to Tannum Sands State High School and Pacific Ranch Estate.”

Cr Burnett said both projects formed part of Gladstone Regional Council’s Pedestrian and Cycle Strategy.

“Council recognises the benefits in enabling people to walk and cycle around their communities and these pathways have been vital in providing residents with a safe area for essential exercise during the COVID-19 restrictions,” Cr Burnett said.

“It’s also important to recognise the Queensland Government’s role in delivering these two cycleway projects and Council thanks them for helping deliver further quality infrastructure to the Gladstone Region.”

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said he was proud to continue investing in regional Queensland.

“We know that, on average, every dollar we invest in bike-riding infrastructure will return nearly five dollars in economic benefit to Queenslanders with improved health outcomes, reduced traffic congestion and lower transport costs,” Mr Bailey said.

“That’s why we’re investing more than $15.5 million in funding to local governments to deliver new high-priority bike networks over the next two years.

“I’m pleased to see regional councils like Gladstone joining our commitment to delivering safer facilities for bike riders.”

Assistant Minister for Treasury and Member for Gladstone Glenn Butcher said it was great to see investment in more cycle infrastructure for his community through the Palaszczuk Government's Cycle Network Local Government Grants Program.

“We know that bike riding has many great benefits including fitness, reducing congestion on the roads and improving connectivity," Mr Butcher said.

“But we also want to make it safer for cyclists and building more cycle infrastructure can improve safety for all road users."

Visit www.gladstone.qld.gov.au/cycling-walking for information regarding some of the beautiful walking and biking tracks for all abilities located within the Gladstone Region.

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