A new working group will tackle antisocial behaviour and other concerns on the Fernleigh Track following a constructive roundtable meeting of key stakeholders on Monday.

Lake Macquarie Mayor Adam Shultz, who convened the meeting, said the group’s first priority was to improve safety for the track’s estimated 400,000 annual users.

“Today was an important step towards making the Fernleigh Track safer for everyone,” he said.

“Bringing key stakeholders together – police, councils, track users and the Minister for Police – helps us all get a better understanding of the issues and ensures we’re on the same page moving forward.”

“We’re all equally concerned about the rising number of assaults, use of illegal motorbikes and other unsafe behaviour being reported along the track.”

“Everyone in today’s meeting has a shared interest in taking all practical steps to maintain the Fernleigh Track as a place where people go to safely exercise, socialise and get closer to nature.”

Attendees at Monday’s meeting 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 Newcastle Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge.

Ms Catley said the roundtable was a “valuable opportunity to engage directly with the community, understand their concerns and explore practical solutions for the issues on the Fernleigh Track”.

“We recognise the impact these incidents have had on the community and remain committed to working closely with the councils to address these issues,” she said

“I also want to acknowledge the dedication of our police officers, who continue to work tirelessly to investigate and disrupt those responsible.”

Ms Harrison said the joint committee would “play a key role in improving safety measures on the Fernleigh Track”.

“The track is a fantastic community asset that everyone should be able to safely enjoy,” she said.

NSW Police Lake Macquarie Local Area Commander Tracy Chapman said police had received reports of 26 incidents along the Fernleigh Track so far this year.

One-third related to the use of electric bikes and scooters.

Superintendent Chapman said the “overwhelming majority” of reported incidents occurred from 3-6pm, with males aged over 40 the most common victims.

Children aged 10-14 also comprised a significant proportion of victims.

“Illegal and anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated by police, and those doing the wrong thing on the Fernleigh Track can expect to be investigated,” she said.

“Lake Macquarie Police will continue to conduct proactive policing activities in the area and investigate reported offences.”

“People who are subjected to offences need to report these to police. Anyone who sees suspicious, anti-social or illegal behaviour is urged to come forward.”

Newcastle Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge said the Fernleigh Track was beloved by both the Lake Macquarie and Newcastle communities, “and we need to ensure it's safe for all”.

"This requires our two Councils and other agencies to work together, and we have made good progress today,” he said.

"City of Newcastle is committed to collaborating and will continue to play its part."

Taking Back Our Paths organiser Stacey Wilde said she was pleased to see progress.

“One of the main positives for me is the speed at which this is all happening,” she said.

“I feel really proud and really positive that some tangible change will come of this.”

“I think the community need a mouth and earpiece – they don’t want this to go behind closed doors.”

The new working group will investigate the viability of a range of measures, including CCTV cameras, track lighting, widening some parts to create safer overtaking opportunities and the installation of better signage.

Fernleigh Track information

• Length: 15.3km
• Location: Adamstown-Belmont (2.2km in Newcastle LGA, 13.1km in Lake Macquarie LGA); separately, the Fernleigh Awabakal Shared Track (FAST) adjoins the Fernleigh Track and runs from Belmont to Blacksmiths. It is 3.5km in length
• Annual Fernleigh Track users: approximately 400,000
• Rail corridor operated from 1890s to 1991 for trains hauling coal from Lake Macquarie mines to Newcastle; also for passengers
• Lake Macquarie and Newcastle City Councils jointly purchased corridor in 1994
• Shared pathway construction completed in stages from 2003-2011