THEO KUITERS
THE proposed Anzac Memorial Circuit could bring more than $10 million into the local economy annually, one of its main proponents has predicted.
Circuit committee spokesperson Theo Kuiters said the bold prediction was based on the circuit attracting 100,000 tourists to the region each year.
"I want the Anzac Memorial Circuit to become the basis of a tourism hub for this area," Mr Kuiters said.
The circuit would be a shared pathway loop for cyclists, pedestrians and skaters linking Morisset, Dora Creek and Cooranbong.
Mr Kuiters said about 55 per cent of the circuit could be funded by local developments already in the pipeline.
Other funding strategies such as a 'Buy a Brick' scheme, and commercial advertising campaigns would also be required, he said.
The Anzac Memorial Circuit committee has been buoyed by a positive response from a recent presentation it made to Lake Macquarie City councillors about the circuit and funding plans.
"What we wanted from the council was a recognition of the need for this circuit, plus a commitment that they'd like to do something to help," Mr Kuiters said.
The committee is confident that the circuit will be featured prominently in the council's Cycleway Strategy document due this month.
It was a different story last December, however, when the Morisset area hardly rated a mention in the council's Draft Cycleway Strategy.
"But the council has listened to the 2500 people in the community who took the time to sign the petition supporting the circuit," Mr Kuiters said.
A key element of the circuit would be 13 rest stops which would feature images and information about Australia's military history and local ex-service personnel.
Mr Kuiters said that information could include audio and visual content that visitors could unlock by scanning a Quick Response or QR code (a matrix bar code) using devices such as an iPhone.
Mr Kuiters said the Anzac Memorial Circuit had the potential to be second only to the Australian War Memorial, in Canberra, as a showcase of Australian military history.