Iluka locals and visitors to the town are enjoying the pathway recently completed by Clarence Valley Council (CVC). Councillors made the decision to proceed with the 1.5 kilometre project in June 2015, following the exhibition of concept plans for the shared, two-metre-wide bike and pedestrian path. Iluka resident Col Hennessy, who made a deputation to CVC in June 2015 on behalf of the Iluka Heart Foundation Walking Group, said the Iluka Ratepayers Association had been a strong supporter of the path, too. He said the pathway joins the existing path near the Sedgers Reef Hotel and extends east to join a bush trail, which was completed prior to path’s construction. “It’s proving to be a boon for Iluka residents who are taking advantage of the scenic route,” Mr Hennessey said. “It was a dangerous walk along the roadside for elderly people and children if you wanted to head east. “Now, the new pathway, wide enough to take bikes and wheelchairs, has trebled the number of walkers and everyone is hopeful the council will be able to attract funding to complete the route to the beach. “What’s more, it is a very relaxing and informative walk, as it winds behind the fish cooperative and along the water’s edge. “Near the end of the walk there is the option of taking the newly completed bush trail, which follows the old railway line (part of the infrastructure for the north wall) to the newly named Moriarty Drive at marine rescue. “Many local groups have been involved. “The Heart Foundation walkers marked out where they would like to see the route in conjunction with council staff. “The Green Army worked tirelessly to landscape the route itself. “All in all it has been a collaborative effort between such groups and the council, particularly Rodney Wright, who took a special interest in its completion.” Meanwhile, Mr Hennessey said the ratepayers association has provided $1,000 to the Iluka Historical Society, to design “interpretive signs denoting the original village and wharf area”. “Council put up one [sign] and history group put up two,” he said. “Walkers will be able to acquaint themselves with our early history when all the signs are in place.” Clarence Valley Council’s works and civil director, Troy Anderson, said the council has “applied for funding from the Public Reserves Management Fund to complete the final 600 metres of the Iluka footpath and was waiting for a response”.