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The Shire of Esperance has secured more than $240,000 in state government funding to extend the town's coastal cycle pathway to Bandy Creek. Esperance was one of 45 local governments to receive a share of $7.6 million in the latest installment of the WA Bicycle Network grant scheme. The shire was allocated one of the largest regional grants for 2020-2021, which will enable the construction of a 1.5 kilometre shared pathway from Castletown Quays to Daw Drive. The grant follows the development of the Esperance 2050 Cycling Strategy by the Department of Transport and shire aimed to extend quality cycling infrastructure across the region. Extensive community consultation as part of the strategy identified a high demand to extend the cycle and pedestrian pathway from the town site to Bandy Creek Harbour. Shire of Esperance chief executive officer Matthew Scott said works would commence in the new financial year. "With this funding we are able to improve access to some of the amazing places to visit in Esperance which will not only benefit our residents but also the thousands of visitors to the area every year," he said. "Cycling is one of the most popular forms of recreation. Creating a safe, direct, comfortable and integrated cycling network will connect people to where they work, learn and play as well as help to showcase Esperance's natural landscapes to residents and visitors alike." As part of the statewide scheme more than 50 kilometres of new cycle and pedestrian pathways will be constructed over the next two years. Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said there were many benefits to strengthening cycling infrastructure. "There are countless benefits to walking and riding, which is why the WA Government continues to add to its record funding of cycling infrastructure through the WA Bicycle Network grants scheme," she said. "To get more people riding more often, we need to build safe and accessible facilities, which is why we have prioritised facilities that connect communities to the primary cycle network and public transport hubs, such as Rockingham Station, Glendalough Station and the future Forrestfield Train Station."

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