Motorists and pedestrians on their way to and from Tacking Point Lighthouse will benefit from an upgrade to Lighthouse Road.
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The $1.08 million upgrade, which will start at Matthew Flinders Drive, will address critical points along the route to the lighthouse turnaround.
The federal government will contribute $540,000 from the Building Better Regions Fund.
Port Macquarie-Hastings Council will match that funding.
The project features 520 metres of road upgrade including new kerb and guttering and stormwater drainage.
A 280 metre-long footpath will remove the missing pedestrian link from Davis Crescent to the lighthouse.
The project also involves the formalisation of 12 car parking spaces, bringing the total visitor parking to 26 spaces to help cater for the 600-plus daily visitors.
Cowper MP Luke Hartsuyker announced the $540,000 federal government funding on July 11.
“I’m delighted that the Commonwealth and the council have worked together to deliver more user-friendly access to the lighthouse for locals and visitors,” Mr Hartsuyker said.
“Many tourists visit the location because of the history and the spectacular views of the coast and the hinterland that you get from there.
“Locals love it just as much and for the same reasons.”
Mayor Peta Pinson said the project was a great demonstration of how great outcomes could be achieved for the community when different levels of government worked together.
“Tacking Point Lighthouse is a popular tourist destination that sees more than 600 visitors travel along Lighthouse Road to take in the magnificent view each day,” Cr Pinson said.
She said the upgrade would significantly improve pedestrian safety with a new 1.5m-wide pathway.
Paul Dirago has been pushing for the upgrade for almost a decade.
He expressed his appreciation to Cowper MP Luke Hartsuyker and the councillors, particularly mayor Peta Pinson and deputy mayor Lisa Intemann.
“This project is a reflection of the interest shown by hundreds of other members of the local community in petitions and letters to the council over the years,” he said.
Mr Dirago said the upgrade would improve access and safety, generally enhance the lighthouse area and complement the Rotary Club of Port Macquarie Sunrise’s work in the lighthouse precinct.