Wollongong City Council has added a new piece of work to the popular Blue Mile, with the opening of the Flagstaff Hill Heritage Trail.

The Heritage Trail runs 130 metres along the grassy reserve behind the Fishermen’s Co-operative following the path of the original tramway line which transported coal to Wollongong Harbour.

The three metre wide promenade includes a new balustrade hand railing, improved landscaping, and three rows of distinctive black and white pavers to capture the history of the tramway.

General Manager, David Farmer thanked the Federal Member for Cunningham, Sharon Bird, for Federal funding assistance of $200,000 which made the project possible.

“It’s great to see another key piece of the Blue Mile complete, adding to the network of improved shared pathways that now loop around Flagstaff Hill, along Belmore Basin and Cliff Road,” Mr Farmer said.  

“The Heritage Trail captures our region’s heritage of coal mining in a unique and practical way.”

Federal Member for Cunningham, Sharon Bird, said that the opening of the Heritage Trail was another milestone in the construction of the Blue Mile project.

“The Commonwealth Government and Wollongong City Council have been involved in a great partnership to bring the Blue Mile into practical use for the benefit of residents and tourists,” said Ms Bird.

“We have been able, through this partnership, to renew community infrastructure, secure local construction jobs and help the local tourism industry.”

“I am also particularly pleased that the design work for the Heritage Trail recognises that coal was transported by tram along this very route”, Ms Bird said.