FUNDING has been provided for the first stage of the "missing link" in the cycle-walkway from Kyeemagh to Cronulla.
The route around Botany Bay and Woolooware Bay is considered one of the most scenic in Sydney.
However, at Taren Point, it detours through industrial area back streets between Captain Cook Bridge and the dedicated path running from Mangrove Lane around Woolooware Bay.
The state government has provided $125,000 for the new work, and Sutherland Shire Council will match the funding.
This will see the path extended 150 metres along Atkinson Road from the corner of Mangrove Lane to the edge of Woolooware Bay.
A council spokeswoman said a design was being prepared and consultation would take place soon with neighbouring landowners.
"Work is expected to commence this financial year," she said.
The second stage of providing the "missing link", for which no time frame has been announced, will see the path extended from the end of Atkinson Road along the water's edge to Alexander Avenue, behind Woolooware Shores retirement village.
Late last year, the council released a concept plan, showing a series of boardwalks to avoid the need to acquire private land; some of which could be contaminated.
A council spokeswoman said negotiations between the council, Roads and Maritime Services and land owners were continuing over the plan.
TRIO OF PROJECTS
The state government has provided funding for three other cycle-walk projects in the shire.
A consultant has been engaged to plan and design a route from Cronulla to Sutherland.
Transport Minister Gladys Berejiklian announced this initiative, costing $2 million, during the Miranda by-election last year.
Cronulla MP Mark Speakman said the report should be finished in the next 4-6 months but would probably not be released until Transport for NSW finalised its response.
Mr Speakman announced a $40,000 grant to widen the existing footpath around Cronulla Public School, from Excelsior Road to Tonkin Park.
‘‘The new 2.5-metre-wide and 100-metre-long concrete facility will replace the existing narrow bitumen footpath and improve links to the railway station, ferry wharf and beach,’’ he said.
Heathcote MP Lee Evans said $30,000 would be spent on a raised pedestrian crossing in President Avenue, Sutherland.
What other cycle-walk projects are needed?