The new section has been constructed with funds provided from the Federal Government’s Community Infrastructure Grants Program.

The new pathway, known as the Kemp Close section, is part of council’s ongoing Buff Point shared pathway project under construction as part of the Estuary Management Plan program.

As part of the construction, council trialled the use of recycled materials for a section of the pathway.

Contracts and special projects manager Mike Long said a short section spanning a watercourse has been constructed from recycled plastic in preference to a timber bridge or concrete with a culvert underneath.

The Buff Point pathway currently extends around the Budgewoi Lake foreshore from Edgwater Park.

The Kemp Close section adds a further 250 metres and traverses some of the steepest sections of the reserve. Construction presented some engineering challenges.

Mayor Bob Graham, who will officially open the section with Federal member for Shortland Jill Hall this Friday, November 20, said the pathway had already been a welcome addition for residents.

“This extension of the pathway simply extends the opportunity for residents and visitors to enjoy the Budgewoi Lake waterfront,” Cr Graham said.

“It is expected the link through to the reserve at Sonoma Road will be completed in about 12 months, making this one of the most extensive shared pathway links in the shire and a scenic attraction for local residents and visitors alike.”

Mr Long said works of this nature on a public reserve require a wide range of environmental and legislative matters to be addressed before approval to proceed with any project could be granted.

“All of these issues were given full and proper consideration,” Mr Long said.

Mr Long said the Federal Government grant of $227,000 covered most of the construction work, with adjoining pathway construction funded from the Estuary Management Plan allocation for the Buff Point pathway.

The pathway will be officially opened this Friday, November 20, at 2.30pm.

Locals are invited to attend the opening on the foreshore opposite Nacooma Road, Buff Point.