Community consultation has opened on a proposed shared path linking Alstonville to Ballina, with residents invited to help shape the final route of the major active transport project.
Ballina Shire Council is seeking feedback on four potential route options for a three-metre-wide shared path connecting Alstonville with West Ballina, as part of efforts to improve cycling and walking links across the shire.
While recent investment has strengthened coastal connections between Ballina and Lennox Head, a direct link between Alstonville and Ballina has not previously been identified.
Council has developed concept designs and high-level cost estimates for each option, ranging from approximately $27.3 million to $34.8 million depending on the route.
Development and Traffic Engineer Patrick Knight said the next step is to hear from the community.
“Council has undertaken detailed investigations to identify feasible route options, carefully considering environmental, engineering and cost constraints,” Mr Knight said.
“We’re now inviting the community to review the concept designs and tell us what’s important to them, to help inform the selection of a preferred route.”
The proposed alignments include two options north of the Bruxner Highway and two to the south, with the southern routes also incorporating a potential connection to the Duck Creek Mountain Bike Park.
Each option presents different trade-offs, including variations in cost, construction challenges, environmental impacts and user experience.
Key considerations include creek crossings, possible boardwalk sections, interactions with the highway and how the path connects to existing cycling and pedestrian networks.
The project is part of the Ballina Shire Bike Plan and has been supported by NSW Government funding through the Get NSW Active program.
Public exhibition of the plans is open until 28 April, with submissions to be reviewed before Council determines a preferred route.
If endorsed, the project would move into planning approvals, funding applications and detailed design, with construction expected to be delivered in stages.
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