For cycling enthusiasts and commuters alike, navigating the path between Wallaga Lake and Bermagui has become a daunting task. The damage to the Long Swamp track has left cyclists with no other option than to brave a busy and often hazardous road. This situation not only exemplifies a glaring oversight in our community's infrastructure but also endangers lives daily.

Before the track's deterioration, it served as a vital artery for both local residents and tourists, offering a scenic and safe route that encouraged cycling as a healthy, eco-friendly mode of transportation. The absence of this track forces cyclists, families, and even children onto a road shared with heavy traffic, significantly increasing the risk of accidents.

According to the Bega Valley Shire Council, "active transport is not only a necessary part of every journey, but also offers a range of benefits to both the local and global communities. Walking, riding and rolling are fundamentally cheaper, healthier, and more efficient than private cars. Evidence indicates their flow-on benefits to the healthcare system with reduced rates of chronic diseases, to global sustainability goals with low to no carbon emissions, and to local businesses with higher average rates of spend compared with motorists."

We propose an immediate assessment and repair of the road edges of Wallaga Lake Road, prioritising cyclist safety and promoting Wallaga Lake and Bermagui as cycling-friendly destinations. This will not only provide a safer alternative for current cyclists but also attract more visitors, boosting the local economy and fostering a community that values sustainable transport.

Join us in urging our local council to act swiftly and decisively. We cannot wait for a tragedy to spur action—families, environmental advocates, and community members must come together to prioritise this development.

Please sign this petition to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our community and support the restoration of a safe, reliable cycling route between Wallaga Lake and Bermagui. Together, we can bring about this much-needed change.