Politics as the art of compromise was on show at the official launch of the first stage of the Hungry Point Reserve Cliff Top walk. / (min cost $ 0 ) or signup to continue reading The project, which is expected to be completed by April 2025, will extend the Esplanade to the southern end of the reserve on the tip of Gunnamatta Bay. The second stage will see additional walkways around the western side of the Cronulla peninsula to link up with Darook Park.
A sod-turning ceremony last week was attended by mayor Carmelo Pesce, deputy mayor Carol Provan, Cronulla MP Mark Speakman, Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell and Crown Lands area manager Glen Camenzuli. A year ago, the shire's Liberal leaders were "outraged" by the state government's decision to cut a section of the planned walkway at the request of Marine Rescue NSW on security grounds. Cr Pesce described the move as "an outrage" and "a cynical cash-grab by the Minns Labor government in a strong Liberal seat".
Cr Provan said the government's position was "unreasonable, bullying and close to blackmail". Mr Speakman also accused the government of blackmail by forcing it to accept the change or lose funding that already been allocated. By December 2023, the council had agreed to compromise, with Cr Pesce saying, "It became clear, following several discussions, that Marine Rescue were firm in their position that the cliff top walk route could not pass through their operational areas in the reserve".
"We were able to identify an alternate route, that retains the majority of the [trust's] vision, giving the public access to views over the Port Hacking and a footpath back to the public car park in the reserve." In a statement accompanying the sod turning, Cr Pesce said, "On behalf of our community, I'd like to thank the NSW Government for their generous support of this project, and to all those whose advocacy is now set to see it come to fruition". Cr Pesce said the project had been realised through the provision of $6.
9m in grant funding from the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure. "Hungry Point is a beautiful slice of nature tucked away at the southern tip of the Cronulla peninsula, which not only offers amazing views out over the ocean and across the Port Hacking, but also features numerous sites of Indigenous cultural significance," he said. "By extending the Cronulla Coastal Walk down to the tip of the peninsula, we are unlocking the potential of this amazing site as a great destination for local residents looking to enjoy our stunning natural surrounds, but we will also offer even more to entice visitors to the Sutherland Shire.
"Our community have played a pivotal role in shaping this project through the input they provided to Council's Hungry Point Reserve Strategic Masterplan. Once completed, this project will deliver upon our community's wishes to enjoy better access to this hidden slice of coastal stunning coastal scenery. "Hungry Point has been the long-term home of Marine Rescue NSW and we are delighted to have reached agreement with the organisation to allow improved public access to this beautiful area without impacting the life-saving work they conduct in our community.
"On behalf of our community, I'd like to thank the NSW Government for their generous support of this project, and to all those whose advocacy is now set to see it come to fruition." Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said, "The strong support the NSW Government has provided to this project, will enable the Hungry Point Cliff Top Walk to leap from drawing board to actual boardwalk". Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper "acknowledged the long-term advocacy of the community and expressed his excitement towards the delivery of the extended boardwalk".
"It's great to see that all the hard work and advocacy of local organisations is now set to deliver such a fantastic result," he said said. "I would like to recognise the efforts of former members of the Hungry Point Reserve Land Manager Board and also Sutherland Shire Council, their efforts to achieve what I know will be an incredible result that will deliver tremendous community experience for generations to come." Mr Speakman said the extended Esplanade would "greatly enhance opportunities for local residents to get out and get active along Cronulla's iconic coastline".
St George and Sutherland Shire Leader reporter covering politics, urban affairs, council, development and general community news.Email: [email protected].
au St George and Sutherland Shire Leader reporter covering politics, urban affairs, council, development and general community news.Email: [email protected].
au.
