I was back visiting some of eateries in the main street, The Boulevarde, last week, but this time the visit was more than social.

Toronto is undergoing streetscape works which, when complete, will deliver a fantastic, landscaped main street with wide, level footpaths and pleasant, elevated outdoor dining areas with landscaping, shade structures and gorgeous view corridors to the lake.

Stage five of the Streetscape Master Plan, which involves a major footpath upgrade between Pemell Street and Victory Parade, is one-third of the way through its 12-week duration, and the work has inevitably caused some disruption to businesses along the stretch.

This project will be of great benefit to all of the community but the business owners are bearing the brunt of construction, so I encourage people to recognise that and continue to support these businesses where they can. The end result will be wonderful, but locals and visitors can really help to alleviate that interim strain on businesses by simply continuing to call in for a meal or takeaway, or to browse and buy in the shops.

After speaking with affected business owners on the street last week, I had a meal there and will be back for another this week. I can highly recommend the fare and encourage our community to get behind the local businesses.

Grannies Pool, near Blacksmiths, has a special place in the heart of many Lake Macquarie residents. For many, the sheltered pool off Swansea Channel was their introduction to beach swimming, a protected area that has been popular with young families and others who enjoy the mild conditions for generations.

Work began this week on a new pathway and viewing platform that will make this idyllic spot easier to visit and enjoy. Notably, the pathway and platform will be fully accessible, which will benefit people who use wheelchairs or have reduced mobility.

The 350m shared path will connect the Grannies Pool car park to the existing path along the Swansea Channel breakwall at Blacksmiths Beach. The work is expected to take about two months.