The grand vision for an epic Illawarra escarpment walk linking the Royal National Park to Wollongong's north with Cambewarra Mountain in the Shoalhaven is gaining significant support.
The proposal which was first proposed in the 1970s and has been resurrected by former Kiama Mayor Neville Fredericks would see the creation of a track winding along the Illawarra escarpment for more than 150 kilometres.
Neville believes when it's completed the track will be one of the best walks in Australia and will have appeal to trekkers from across Australia and the world.
Much of the work to the north has already been completed linking the National Park and Sublime Point above Austinmer. The big challenge which lies ahead will be convincing local and state governments that this is a project worthy of their support and investment.
Shellharbour Mayor's support
Last month, Shellharbour Mayor Chris Homer was quickly out of the blocks to throw his support behind the ambitious track proposal.
He told the Illawarra Flame he was a "huge supporter" of the extended escarpment track which he said would "be phenomenal".
Mr Homer says as the chair of the regional Illawarra Shoalhaven Joint Organisation (ISJO) of local councils he's keen to put it on the agenda.
Wollongong Council on board
"I will do everything in my power to move this forward," Chris said. And it seems he'll have no trouble getting Wollongong Lord Mayor Tania Brown on board.
"Wollongong Council fully supports the Great Southern Walk project and the opportunity to highlight our iconic Illawarra Escarpment,' Cr Brown said.
"It is an ongoing project, and we will continue to engage and support the NSW Government by planning and delivering connecting infrastructure to enhance what is already a major tourist attraction for our region."
Project is a winner, says Ward
State Member for Kiama, Gareth Ward, is also convinced the extended escarpment walk will be a winner.
"I am right behind Neville's plan to see an escarpment walk," Mr Ward said. "The Illawarra escarpment is like none other anywhere in the world and we should ensure people can access, enjoy, and absorb the experiences it has to offer.
"Our region had some of the most beautiful and breathtaking walks; from the Kiama-Gerringong Coastal Walk, the Illawarra Fly, Seven Mile Beach and the Minnamurra Rainforest – our region is blessed with so many incredible environmental delights that should be shared with the region, state, nation and the world."
Mr Ward doesn't believe extending the escarpment walk through several areas of sensitive bushland and forests is a bad thing.
"As a passionate advocate for our environment. I believe the best form of conservationism is to ensure we can open up our environment so people can become aware of what is important to protect. That's why I want to see investments in projects like this."
NSW Government support needed
Those investments would be required from the NSW Government and the state Member for Wollongong Paul Scully is standing by his government's commitment to date on escarpment walks.
"The NSW Government has invested in the Great Southern Walk, including the recently repaired and re-opened Wodi Wodi Track," Mr Scully said.
"If there are feasible opportunities to extend the Great Southern Walk they should be considered. We have a unique environment that already attract a range of visitors and projects that embrace and enhance this environment to encourage visitors to enjoy it, while protecting it, should be very seriously examined..."
