Getting connected

The Carpenter Rocks and Pelican Point communities will be walking into summer with a new spring in their step thanks to Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program funding and the District Council of Grant.

A new 2.2km long shared path linking the Carpenter Rocks Tavern to Shellsea Court in Pelican Point will provide a safe space for pedestrians, wheelchair users, families with prams and cyclists.

Member for Barker Tony Pasin said the $3.25 billion LRCI program was designed by the former Coalition Government to support jobs and economic growth has delivered improved roads and community infrastructure to local communities across the country.

“The Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) Program was an initiative of the former Coalition Government and it was unique in that it responded to expressed local needs rather than being invested via top down determined priorities and strategies of the Federal Government,” Mr Pasin said.

Local residents from Blackfellows Caves, Carpenter Rocks and Pelican Point came together at a Coastal township meeting in 2022 to share their ideas with the District Council of Grant about their community’s future. It was at this meeting that a shared active transport path was suggested.

Mr Pasin said it was fantastic to partner with the District Council of Grant to see this initiative come to fruition.

“It has been really exciting to see the project now underway and on track to be completed before the 2024/25 summer holiday season,” Mr Pasin said.

“It’s a fantastic example of what can be achieved when local community, local Government and Federal Government work together.

“It’s incredibly disappointing that the Albanese Labor Government has decided to scrap the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program. It means less funding for local Councils to deliver projects like this for the local community.”

District Council of Grant Mayor Kylie Boston joined Mr Pasin to inspect the works this week.

“Council is appreciative of the Federal Government which has supported the investment in new community infrastructure and amenity,” Mayor Boston said.

“This is another project aimed to help connect our communities which additionally provides a great recreational activity in a beautiful coastal setting. Council is proud of its public amenities available for locals and visitors and will continue to invest in our new Strategic Plan projects.”