Anthony Albanese, Minister for Infrastructure, Regional Development and Local Government today officially marked the completion of the $700,000 Port Macquarie Coast Walk at the Tacking Point Lighthouse Stairs.

“The stairway was the final missing link in the nine kilometre coastal walk, a new facility for locals and a tourist attraction for the growing region,” Mr Albanese said.

“It is a pleasure to be here to mark the final stage of this project, which brings together local history, physical recreation, natural beauty and tourism.

“The Rudd Labor Government has provided $103,000 towards the walkway through its Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program.

“The Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program, part of the Government’s Economic Stimulus Plan, is delivering local jobs, supporting local business and community groups and providing new infrastructure.

“Before these stairs, residents and tourists had to scramble across the unformed track or walk along a very narrow roadway to get to the lighthouse and the recently finalised stairway leading from the lighthouse south to the beach,” Mr Albanese said.

The coastal walk is a shared pedestrian and cyclist pathway stretching from the Town Green out to Lighthouse Beach.

As a tourist attraction the walk will deliver ongoing economic benefits to the region and support ongoing jobs locally in the tourism sector.

The Tacking Point Lighthouse Stairs stairway is on the north-side of the lighthouse linking with a national park.

“I congratulate the Port Macquarie Hastings Council, their local State and Federal elected representatives and the local community for their commitment to this project,” Mr Albanese said.