Unique artworks by local artists will be a feature in a public art project that will enhance the Northern Beaches Council Coastal Walkway connecting Palm Beach to Manly.

Council Administrator Dick Persson AM said the community and the Council Arts and Culture Strategic Reference Group had raised a number of art initiatives as part of the Community Strategic Plan engagement process.

“I will be proposing that Council undertake a period of planning followed by four years of funding at $500,000 a year. One of the priorities will be identifying where we can utilise the talents of local artists in the design of the new Coastal Walkway.

Funding for this project will come from the Merger Savings Fund, established from recurrent savings as a result of the merger of the three former Councils.

“The Merger Savings Fund provides a once in a lifetime opportunity to invest in new programs that builds social cohesion, brings people together and support a healthy lifestyle. I am confident that this initiative will do all of this as well as deliver great enjoyment to all who use the coastal walkway.

Northern Beaches Council recognises the importance of arts and culture to the community and is also planning another arts space in the Avalon/Newport area similar to the Creative Space in North Curl Curl.

“Community consultation will be a key component of these two major initiatives and Council is eager to ensure we engage as many people as possible to support the established and growing network of artists on the Northern Beaches,” Mr Persson said.