Transport Minister Andrew Constance said the money – which will go to shared cycle and walking paths, intersection upgrades at Griffiths and Broadmeadow roads and a signalised intersection at Hillsborough Road in Warners Bay – would make it easier to get around the Hunter. The money is part of a $62 million commitment to “active transport”, and is separate from the $80 million NSW Cycling Infrastructure fund unveiled in last year’s budget.

Earlier this year Revitalising NSW unveiled a Newcastle cycleway strategy, but said funding was “ultimately a local government responsibility”. Asked if the $80 million fund could be used on cycleways in Newcastle, a spokesman for Transport for NSW said projects were “being identified”.

“The NSW government is investing an unprecedented amount on active transport infrastructure,” Mr Constance said.

“Investments in active transport will complement the massive public transport improvements coming to the region; Novocastrians are set to receive more travel choices than ever before.”

The list of projects to be funded with the $4 million fund are:

·         An accessible signalised intersection at Sydney Street with the Pacific Highway near Hunter Sports High

·         A shared path on Skellatar Street in Muswellbrook

·         A shared path on Elizabeth Street in Singleton

·         An additional signalised pedestrian leg at Samdon Street and Belford Street, Hamilton

·         Intersection upgrades at Griffiths Road and Broadmeadow Road

·         A safe pedestrian crossing across University Drive, Callaghan

·         A signalised intersection at Hillsborough Road, Warners Bay