More than widening the route for locals, the multi-million coastal revitalisation project is broadening the city's overall appeal. More space, shade and seating were at the top of our community's wish list for the project. Now 50 per cent complete, it has delivered much more than that for pedestrians, cyclists and people with impaired mobility. 

The 6-kilometre shared pathway is fast becoming the city's infrastructure showpiece. Our beaches, the harbour, ocean bathes, cafes, restaurants, art installations, parks, shaded structures, bike racks, water fountains and exercise facilities will ultimately be linked in an urban planning masterstroke. 

The path connecting Merewether to Dixon Park and Bar Beach was completed in December last year and the finishing touches added between Nobbys and Newcastle beaches in January. The Merewether Beach section was awarded the Planning Institute of Australia's "Plan to Place" award in NSW in what I hope will be the first of many awards.

Over the next few years, we will extend the Bathers Way between Newcastle Beach and King Edward Park to tap its full potential as a major recreational and economic draw card. The latest construction contract was awarded last week to reconstruct the South Newcastle seawall to allow for the extension of the pathway toward the Bogey Hole, an essential precursor to the King Edward Park stage.