Update on Shared Pathway along Avoca Drive
Avoca Drive, site of the planned shared pathway
Progress is being made on the planned shared pathway that will eventually run from the Scenic Highway roundabout to Heazlett Park. Here’s an update from Council:
Results of the Community Feedback stage
Between 7 May and 4 June 2025, Central Coast Council invited community feedback on the concept designs for this long‑anticipated project in order to help inform the next stages of planning. A total of 124 submissions were received, with strong overall support for the project. Many community members highlighted the importance of providing a safe and accessible pathway along Avoca Drive for pedestrians, cyclists and people using mobility aids. Read the full summary here.
Key themes raised through submissions included:
Safety and accessibility along Avoca Drive
Preferences for the location and design of the shared path
Support for future connections to Kincumber and surrounding areas
Concerns about environmental impacts, including tree removal and protection of local flora and fauna
Council’s response
Council has reviewed all feedback received and balanced community views with safety, environmental, cost and constructability considerations.
For Stages 1 and 2, the residential‑side alignment has been adopted between Avoca Bowling Club and The Round Drive intersection. This option responds to safety concerns while minimising environmental impacts, cost and construction complexity.
Following the announcement of Australian Government grant funding, Council is undertaking further investigations for Stage 3 (The Round Drive to Heazlett Park) to assess the feasibility of a lakeside alignment for this final section. Once these studies are completed, Council will reach out to update the community on the final concept for Stage 3.
Environmental impacts though all stage of the project will be addressed during detailed design through a supporting environmental assessment. Council will seek to minimise tree removal wherever possible, with any unavoidable loss offset through tree replacement.
Overall Schedule
Stage 1: The Scenic Highway to Hillside Rd – Designs are being finalised and construction will start before the end of FY26 (ie before June this year)
Stage 2: Hillside Rd to The Round Drive – Ongoing evaluation and refinement of designs with construction proposed to commence late 2027.
Stage 3: The Round Drive to Heazlett Park – Funding just confirmed; investigations and design work underway - completion date not yet confirmed.
What happens next
The following stages represent different sections of the project, each progressing on its own timeline.
Stage 1: Designs are being finalised, with construction planned to commence in FY2025/26
Stage 2: Ongoing evaluation and refinement of designs
Stage 3: Engagement of design consultants and further investigations underway
Stay informed
You can view the engagement summary and stay up to date on project progress at:
www.yourvoiceourcoast.com/avoca-drive-shared-path-avoca-beach