BY OLI GOELDNER
New signage has been installed along the Fernleigh Track to address anti-social behaviour on the popular pathway.
A total of 14 signs have been put in at all access points on the track, encouraging users to report incidents to police.
Lake Macquarie Council Community Partnerships manager Matt Holloway said the signage will play an important role in combatting dangerous behaviour.
"We're really encouraging people to report any incidents or unsafe behaviour they see or experience along the track," he said.
"This can be done either through the triple zero emergency number, Crime Stoppers, the police assistance line or the online portal."
Over the past 12 months, police have conducted regular bike and foot patrols of the popular walking track.
NSW Police District Inspector Anita Kruse reported they've had hundreds of interactions with users of the path discussing their concerns and providing education in relation to e-bikes.
During that time, ten infringement notices have been issued, and 24 offences have been dealt with under the Young Offenders Act.
However, Mr Holloway said users should be more vigilant with reports.
"We're really hoping to see an increase in reporting," he explained.
"The reporting at the moment is quite static over the last six months, I don't believe the numbers have increased or decreased.
"And, what we're hoping to see out of this is if these incidents are occurring, we see them being reported through these channels rather than through social media or other means."
The signage is the first of many safety measures to be enacted by a dedicated subcommittee, formed during a Fernleigh Track roundtable meeting with key representatives in late 2025.
"What we're looking to do is identify these signs and look for other safety-related signage," Mr Holloway said.
'We also want a big focus back on etiquette ad acceptable behaviour.
"Also, focusing not particularly on e-bikes, but the illegal e-bikes and anti-social behaviour along the track."
