Macksville - Scotts Head
Active Transport Connection
The Proposal
The Scotts Head to Macksville Active Transport Connection aims to boost tourism, economic growth and sustainability by providing a safe, affordable, car-free travel option for all, including people with disabilities.
Timeline (2023-2025)
The proposal was presented to the Senior Town Planner in February 2023.
The Scotts Head Community Group (SHCG) agreed to support the proposal in October 2023.
A petition, letters of support from key businesses and media releases during April/May 2024. The petition gained 978 signatures.
Proposal presented to Council in July 2024 leading to an initial desktop feasibility study.
SHCG Strategic Plan 2024-2029 supporting active transport connection to Macksville presented to Council in August 2024 to assist Council’s Community Strategic Plan 2035 (CSP) development.
Council Elections September 2024.
Initial desktop study of active transport proposal presented to Council on December 19th 2024. Concerns regarding costing were raised.
Council requested council staff meet with SHCG to explore cheaper alternatives.
Meeting held in Scotts Head on Wednesday January 22nd 2025 where cheaper stage based options were discussed.
Nambucca Valley councillors voted at a council meeting on April 16th 2025, to “… consider plans for a bicycle and pedestrian connection” (NOA 9/5/25) between Scotts Head and Macksville in a future Active Transport Strategy for the region.
Input to the council’s new CSP recommending “walking/cycling” be referred to as “active transport” as this broadens the transport mode reflecting its increasing importance and its increasing worldwide currency in planning transport infrastructure on May 14th 2025.
Key points
The council is currently finalising its 10 year CSP. The council’s 4 year Delivery Program (the councillor’s “go to” document) is to be updated in 2026.
The CSP currently states that it intends to “Increase investment on footpaths, cycleways and other recreational infrastructure to promote healthy and active lifestyles.” (p.35)
The Delivery Program acknowledges Nambucca Valley’s limited resources and needs to lobby for State and Federal grants to address some objectives.
The Scotts Head/Macksville active transport connection needs to be considered in terms of promoting “… social equity with equal opportunities for access and participation. (It will provide for visitor and accessible tourism.) Auspice Grant Funding and provide grant writing support on behalf of the community organisations as required.”
The Council’s Strategic Tourism Plan (2018-2023): “Our connection has the potential to became and important contributor to the promotion of the Nambucca Valley’s tourist market.
More Info
To get involved or find more information, please contact the Scotts Head Community Group via the link below.