Announcing the grant yesterday, Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall said the funds would go towards construction of a shared footpath/cycleway along Adelaide Street between Chester and Boston Street, and the pathway along Gwydir Street.

“These last sections will complete a major network of pathways throughout Moree and give residents much easier access to the CBD, hospital, schools and playing fields,” Mr Marshall said.

The work supports a shared desire by state government and Moree Plains Shire Council to encourage healthier lifestyles.

“We know that community members are more likely to walk or cycle if they have a convenient route to use,” Mr Marshall said.

“This project is good news for the Moree community and will encourage and enable more people to walk and ride, contributing to a more active and healthier lifestyle.”

Moree Plains mayor, Katrina Humphries, said the new path would link the area’s foot traffic with already well-established paths throughout the town.

“This is a great program and we are very pleased to be able to construct these last few sections of shared pathways,” Mrs Humphries said.

“The network, once completed, will be quite extensive and connects the schools, hospital, PCYC, sporting ovals and Pius X Corporation to the CBD so they are very well used and we are grateful to the state government for the financial assistance to complete the project.”