Signage to improve safety along the Fernleigh Track

New signage has been installed along the Fernleigh Track to address anti‑social behaviour and help ensure the popular shared pathway remains safe and welcoming for all users.

14 signs, encouraging track users to report anti-social behaviour to police, have been installed at all access points to the track in Newcastle and Lake Macquarie.

NSW Police District Inspector Anita Kruse said the signage would play an important role in combating incidents. 

“Over the past twelve months Police have conducted regular patrols and continue to respond to incidents on the Fernleigh track,” she said.

“Lake Macquarie Police District have also conducted operations specific to the Fernleigh Track including bike patrols and foot patrols.”

“During these operations Police have had hundreds of interactions with users of the path discussing their concerns and providing education in relation to e-bikes.”

Over the past twelve months, ten infringements notices have been issued, and 24 offences have been dealt with under the Young Offenders Act. 

Twenty-one incidents have been reported on the track across Newcastle and Lake Macquarie which is consistent with the same time last year.

Lake Macquarie Mayor Adam Shultz said this was a key part of a broader approach to improve safety following a Fernleigh Track roundtable meeting with key representatives in late 2025.

“A marketing campaign, encouraging respectful use of public spaces and educating people to report anti-social behaviour, will be amplified across the Hunter,” he said.

“This is just the first of many initiatives developed by that working group, which will continue to create and implement safety improvements well into the future.”

Roundtable attendees included Minister for Police, Minister for the Hunter and Swansea Yasmin Catley MP, representatives from the office of the Member for Charlestown Jodie Harrison MP, senior NSW Police representatives and former Newcastle Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge.

From this, a working group was created with key representatives from Lake Macquarie City Council, City of Newcastle, NSW Police, Transport NSW and the Hunter Joint Organisation.

Newcastle Council’s representative on the Committee, Councillor Peta Winney-Baartz, said a collaborative approach is key to enhancing the safety of the Fernleigh Track.    

“The Fernleigh Track is a popular destination that attracts local and visiting cyclists, runners and pedestrians all year round,” Cr Winney-Baartz said.

“It has been positive to see stakeholders from across different levels of government and the community work collaboratively on initiatives that will help address the current issues and help all users feel safe and secure when accessing the track.”