The Hawkesbury Heights community will gain a long sought-after walking trail linking it to Winmalee, if Labor wins the state election.
Blue Mountains candidate Trish Doyle said Labor would commit $100,000 for a walking trail between Hawkesbury Lookout and Winmalee Shopping Centre, running parallel to Hawkesbury Road.
“Whether it’s for walking the dog, going for a run or pushing a pram, this trail will be a very practical piece of infrastructure for people living at the northern end of Winmalee through to Hawkesbury Heights,” Ms Doyle said.
The Hawkesbury Heights community have been asking for a walking trail since 2013.
Residents of the small, “forgotten community”, came out in force to show their support for the trail.
“It’s a pathway to connect us to the rest of the community,” said resident Melinda Pearse.
“It will allow our kids to walk and ride their bikes safely to school, to the shops and to Hawkesbury Lookout.”
The path would be constructed from finely crushed granite.
Ms Doyle said she would work with the council around the detail of the trail and ensure there was full discussion in the community.
Labor mayor Mark Greenhill said council would support the plan however it could.
“I welcome this announcement. It is fantastic that Trish is supporting the quality of life of residents in this area.”
And if the trail traversed council land: “I have no doubt that the elected council would warmly welcome and enable this.
“If necessary, a mayoral minute or notice of motion would pave the way,” Clr Greenhill said.