Works to extend the footpath in Nanum and connect it to the hospital are expected to be finished in the second half of this year.
Weipa Town Authority chair Michael Rowland said he expected the footpath to create a safer option for patients visiting the shopping precinct in Nanum.
“This is something the community has wanted for a long time and we’re pleased we can deliver this project with the help of the Queensland government,” he said.
“While we can’t have a zebra crossing because of the proximity to the roundabout, we feel that this will be a good, safe option.”
The WTA and the state government will each contribute 50 per cent of the $628,072 costs under the Cycle Network Local Government grants program.
“We have done a lot of work over the last five years to improve the footpath network in Weipa and this is a key part of that. These grants are crucial to local governments,” Mr Rowland said.
The Nanum Hospital Connection Project involves the construction of new shared (bike and walk) pathways along Kerr Point Road and two raised priority crossings at the roundabout.
The project will provide vital missing links in Weipa’s pathway network and improve safety for people walking and riding between the hospital, central shopping area and parkrun, while improving connectivity with the neighbouring suburbs of Nanum and Trunding.
Member for Cook Cynthia Lui said investing in regional Queensland bike riding projects was delivering positive benefits for local communities.
“We know that, on average, every dollar we invest in bike riding infrastructure will return nearly five dollars in economic benefit to Queensland with improved health outcomes, reduced traffic congestion, and lower transport costs,” she said.
“That’s why over the next two years the Queensland government is awarding more than $19 million in funding to local governments to deliver new high-priority bike networks to improve facilities for locals and tourists alike.
“Investments like this will help get more people riding more often around the Weipa community, and add to our major investments like another $235 million in joint funding to continue sealing the PDR.”
