Our Mission

An organisation of key community stakeholders championing improved, connected and accessible pathways and trails for walkers and cyclists within and between townships, villages and recreational parklands across Wingecarribee Shire.

By providing our community with safe and enjoyable active transport options, we can improve community  health and  safety, ease traffic congestion and parking pressure, protect quality of life and place, and support economic development in small business, bespoke industry, and our attractiveness as a tourism destination. This stimulates the local economy, as has been seen across many other regions with similar initiatives around Australia.

SHWACA is committed to working with Local, State and Federal governments.

Health. The physical and mental health benefits of walking and cycling have been recognized for years. Better cardiovascular performance and lung capacity, weight loss, less diabetes, lower stress levels and overall improved wellbeing. Better walking and cycling infrastructure encourages people to leave the car at home, walk or cycle to shopping and recreation. Kids can walk or cycle to school. More walking and cycling, and a lower reliance on cars, improves our air quality.

Safety. Walking and cycling in and around some of our increasingly congested townships and villages in Wingecarribee Shire can be dangerous for all involved. We support improved pathways infrastructure (off-road where possible) to make it safe and accessible for all ages and stages of life to travel on foot or bike, and avoid placing motorists in dangerous situations when it is difficult to see a pedestrian or cyclist.

Economy. Connecting townships, walking and cycling pathways to recreational areas, signage on roads indicating shared use, improved hiking and mountain biking trails, plus rail trails have been the focus of many regions around Australia. These regions have all enjoyed significant economic development as a result of their commitment to improving walking and cycling infrastructure. Studies have shown that there is a large return on investment in a few short years. Increased retail sales, accommodation occupancy and other key areas of regional economies are substantially improved as a result of investments in walking and cycling infrastructure. 

We invite you to join us as we pursue a vision for a connected Southern Highlands, where we can fulfil the best possible quality of life on all levels ... its all about the journey…