Work started last Thursday on a new shared footpath from near the Sedgers Reef Hotel in Iluka towards the main beach car park. The path will be close to 1km long and about two metres wide. Clarence Valley Mayor, Richie Williamson, said the new path would be a great addition to the coastal village. “Iluka has a high percentage of aged residents and this will help them get around,” he said. “It will give them additional areas to walk for exercise, but will also be wide enough for mobility scooters for those who use them. “Iluka’s also an important tourist destination and this will be an attractive way for people to get to and from the beach, particularly as it will go through the nature reserve for about half its length.” Cr Williamson said parts of the reserve would be closed for about six weeks while work was underway. “We apologise for any inconvenience, but I think people understand the benefits this will bring,” he said. He said council had worked closely with the traditional owners of the land, the Yaegl people, who had Native Title over sections of the land. He said council funded this stage of the path and has applied for funds to cover the final stage to the car park.