Council
15 October, 2025
$20 million price tag on pathway extensions
The cost of extending the shared pathway network between Picton, Tahmoor, Bargo and Thirlmere has been estimated at almost $20 million.
The cost of extending the shared pathway network between Picton, Tahmoor, Bargo and Thirlmere has been estimated at almost $20 million.
Staff at Wollondilly Shire Council have advised that the cost of extending the existing network eight kilometres from Tahmoor to Bargo would be approximately $12.8 million while extending the network four kilometres from Picton to Thirlmere (via Bridge Street) would be in the vicinity of $6.4 million.
The estimates are based on the $1.6 million spent per kilometre on the recently completed Picton to Tahmoor shared pathway and includes allowances for design, property/land requirements and ancillary infrastructure.
Given the ‘substantial’ costs, staff have suggested that council explores a staged approach in terms of project delivery.
The cost estimates and a summary of funding options were presented to council’s September meeting following a resolution from council’s July 24 meeting last year.
Council had also asked staff to investigate possible links for the pathway to continue under the Bargo River Bridge.
Given a number of topographical and environmental constraints, property impacts and engineering challenges, staff concluded the connection was a “long-term vision rather than a deliverable short-term project” and would require further environmental studies, negotiations with landholders and collaboration with Transport for NSW.
Council resolved to further explore and refine the pathway links in the future review and finalisation of council’s Active Transport Strategy. It will also seek funding for the works through grant programs and Voluntary Planning Agreement negotiations.
Cr Paul Rogers, who moved the motion, acknowledged that extension of the shared pathway network was “very aspirational” and outside council’s financial means at the current time.
But he said it was important to keep the extensions on the agenda and continue looking at funding options “or we will never get anywhere”.
Deputy mayor Matthew Deeth said the initial estimated cost of the Picton-Tahmoor pathway had been “well in excess of $12 million” but design changes had reduced overall costs and made it an achievable goal.
He said council could hopefully reduce the cost of the Tahmoor-Bargo and Picton-Thirlmere links by taking a closer look at the designs. Breaking the work into segments would also help make it more achievable.
Cr Jacqueline Jenson said shared footpaths were more than just pieces of infrastructure but “vital investments in the physical and mental health of our community”.
She said walking and cycling created safer and more connected neighbourhoods and by exploring different funding opportunities council could deliver new paths in a “staged and sustainable manner”.
“This is a meaningful step forward in our commitment to community well-being and long-term active transport planning,” Cr Jenson said.
Cr Suzy Brandstater said shared pathways represented an investment in “safety, health and connectivity” and ensured greater social cohesion.
“These pathways connect our communities, ensure healthy living and provide much safer transport options and that’s what we’re trying to do,” she said.
Cr Brandstater said the costs were “really significant” but a staged approach would make them achievable “so let’s take it off in small bites if we need to”.
Read More: Wollondilly, Picton, Bargo, Tahmoor, Thirlmere