![PLANS: The council's launch of the proposed extension in September. PLANS: The council's launch of the proposed extension in September.](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/max.mckinney/a0841588-0c82-4750-94f7-dedb8bf45893.JPG/r0_613_6000_4000_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
Lake Macquarie council is preparing a business case for its proposed extension of the Fernleigh Track after progressing in its application for state government funding.
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The council launched the Fernleigh Awabakal Shared Pathway – a proposed 3.5-kilometre link between the track’s end at Belmont and existing pathway at Blacksmiths – in September, announcing its pitch to the government for $7.71 million to go with its $1.93 million to build the project.
The pathway would create a 27km route of continuous cycle track from Murrays Beach to Adamstown.
Eight Aboriginal sculptures would be placed along the new pathway, which includes a fully accessible elevated boardwalk winding past Belmont Wetlands.
![Fernleigh track extension’s business case in progress Fernleigh track extension’s business case in progress](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/max.mckinney/e197afa8-7ff8-4c15-9ee7-1a3eaf98fa59.png/r0_91_4967_2885_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
“[Council’s] proposed Fernleigh Awabakal Shared Pathway is among the projects now shortlisted for funding under the NSW government’s Regional Growth – Environment and Tourism Fund,” a spokesperson said.
“We are in the process of developing a detailed business case for the project, outlining direct and flow-on economic, tourism, cultural, social, health and other benefits this project will deliver to the community.
“The business case, together with letters of support from various stakeholders, will be submitted [by February 1, 2019].”