$1million pledged for Illawarra walking track

Feb. 19, 2015, 8:44 p.m.

They were the rain clouds with a $1 million Labor silver lining.

Pledge: Labor candidate for Heathcote, Maryanne Stewart, Federal member for Sydney, Tanya Plibersek, Federal member for Cunningham, Sharon Bird, and Keira MP Ryan Park brave the wind and rain on Bald Hill, Stanwell Park, to announce Labors plans for the walking track. Picture: KIRK GILMOUR

They were the rain clouds with a $1 million Labor silver lining.

As grey skies rolled over Bald Hill on Thursday, concealing the picturesque landscape below, the region's ALP politicians donned umbrellas to pledge money for the first stage of an Illawarra Escarpment Walk.

The money, which would fund the upgrade and connection of three walking routes - Otford to Bald Hill, Bald Hill to Stanwell Park and Stanwell Park to Stanwell Creek - is subject to the party being elected on March 28.

Shadow Minister for the Illawarra, and Keira MP Ryan Park, was joined by Labor candidate for Heathcote, Maryanne Stuart, and federal deputy Labor leader, Tanya Plibersek, for the announcement.

"This has been on the cards for decades," Mr Park said.

"It is now time to accelerate this as we transition our economy from traditional industries to one that we need to rely on - the growth in tourism - particularly here in the northern suburbs."

The continuous walking track would link Oftord and the Royal National Park with Austinmer.

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$1million pledged for Illawarra walking track