Port Stephens council is moving ahead with plans to upgrade its shared pathway network connecting Nelson Bay with the Tomaree Headland, but one stretch along the Shoal Bay Foreshore is becoming a point of contention.
Funded by the NSW government under the Get NSW Active Program, the council plans to deliver a shared use path connecting Halifax to Harwood Avenue in Nelson Bay.
The project, which will move towards construction in September this year, aims to enhance local infrastructure, and promote an accessible friendly, safe, convenient and spacious route for walking and cycling.
The 500 metre path will cross through the sandy and grassed space between residential properties and the vegetation of the Shoal Bay sand dunes, leading to the popular beach.
Some residents fear a concrete walkway will drastically change the character of the area.
"Council are preparing to begin construction in September on a 500m three-metre-wide concrete pathway right through the grassy foreshore at Shoal Bay that locals and visitors have enjoyed safely for generations," Angela Davidson wrote on a Facebook community page.
"This open green space is where families play cricket, kids run barefoot, and people walk and cycle everyday."
Ms Davidson called on the community to provide feedback through the council's website.
"If you also believe that a huge concrete path would permanently change the character of this much-loved green area and you want this foreshore to remain natural, open, and family-friendly now is the time to speak up," she said.
The council website says the project is one phase in the broader initiative to formally connect infrastructure and some of Port Stephens most beloved locations.
"We want all people to be able to enjoy using our shared public paths," the project information says.
"Shared pathways help us create healthy, inclusive, and active communities.
"They ensure all residents can safely walk, cycle, or move between town centres, parks, and facilities."
Alternative routes were explored by council, however, the selected route prioritises community safety by keeping children, seniors, and pram-users away from cars.
"Utilising the land along the foreshore reserve was the best outcome to deliver a continuous, off-road path while protecting the natural landscape," the website says.
"We designed the path to be straight because it follows the direct, natural route that residents already use to walk through the area.
"It also stops people from cutting corners, which prevents the formation of dirt tracks and protects the natural landscape, including retaining the existing foliage."
Council has confirmed the project is unrelated to an abandoned 2016 proposal regarding the potential commercial use of Lot 424 after the community strongly opposed it.
Construction is expected to begin in September 2026 and take about three months.
The reserve will remain open during construction.
Once finished, the final shared pathway will feature a 500-metre long and 3-metre wide concrete shared path, low-level, eco-friendly solar lighting, dedicated bench seating along the route and two water bubblers and outdoor showers installed at either end of the path.
