Bowral Riverfront Greenway: Connecting Communities

Published on 03 July 2024

Council’s commitment to a more connected and active community shows no sign of slowing following last week’s Extraordinary Meeting. During the session, Council approved due diligence investigations (including a cost analysis) for a shared pathway linking Bong Bong Common and Cecil Hoskins Nature Reserve to the emerging Bowral South New Living Area (NLA) along the Wingecarribee River.

This ‘Bowral Riverfront Greenway’ will provide a safe and scenic route for residents and visitors to cycle, jog, or walk from Burradoo all the way to the Bowral South NLA, avoiding traffic entirely. Viv May, Wingecarribee Shire Council’s Administrator highlighted the project's significance: "This initiative will provide safe, scenic pathways for our residents and visitors, encouraging more physical activity and a healthier lifestyle."

This transformative project aligns with the vision of the 2008 Bicycle Strategy for Mittagong, Bowral, and Moss Vale. This strategic plan identified opportunities to enhance connectivity by creating cycleways from Mittagong to Moss Vale via Bowral, following the beautiful Wingecarribee River. The Greenway takes this vision a step further, creating seamless links between natural reserves and urban areas.

The Draft Master Plan for Bowral South NLA proposes converting land along the river into public ownership, facilitating this active transport connection. Early community and stakeholder consultations have shown immense potential for improved accessibility by connecting Bong Bong Common and Cecil Hoskins Nature Reserve to the Bowral South NLA.

To turn this vision into reality, Council will undertake due diligence investigations, including consultations with Landowners of properties identified for potential partial acquisition, NSW National Parks and caretakers of the Cecil Hoskins Nature Reserve. Following these consultations, a further report will be presented for Council's consideration alongside the Draft Bowral South NLA Master Plan.

In addition to creating stronger links between local schools and community spaces along the river, the proposal aims to establish an informal ‘Riverfront Greenway’ around Bowral thus creating an active Transport Loop.

The construction of a shared pathway between Cecil Hoskins Reserve and Bowral South NLA would be included in a new Developer Contributions Plan. Contributions Plans ensure these shared paths will be paid for or delivered by developers/landowners as the NLA precinct comes online.

“The Bowral Riverfront Greenway embodies a long-term vision for a more connected, vibrant future for the Shire. This project is a testament to our community’s commitment to creating a healthier, more accessible, and unified environment for all.” Viv May concluded.