Quirindi-Werris Creek Kokoda Track war memorial walk proposal marching on

Liverpool Plains Shire Council has formed a group dedicated to the fruition of the 22km-long track, which will link the town’s war memorials.

There will be educational storyboards, plaques and tributes at every kilometre, representing the 22 villages Aussie soldiers fought at.

LPSC deputy mayor and Quirindi RSL sub-branch president Doug Hawkins said the track would play an important educational role, providing a tangible reminder of the conditions soldiers faced.

“The one-kilometre distance between each [plaque] gives people the perfect amount of time to absorb what they’ve just read,” Cr Hawkins said.

The track also has “incredible potential” for employment opportunities and economic benefits through tourism.

“We expect it will attract regional, state, interstate and international visitors,” Cr Hawkins said.

“We believe there will be an immediate financial benefit to the community as soon as construction commences.”

The project is estimated to cost an “achievable” $6 million. The committee will soon sit down and assess what grants it should apply for.

“I’ve already been in [New England MP] Barnaby Joyce and [Upper Hunter MP] Michael Jensen’s ear about it,” Cr Hawkins said.

“There will probably be a lot of smaller [grants], but they will all come together as a part of a whole.”

Cr Hawkins said a number of prominent local business people sat on the committee, who all had expertise and skills that would help make the project a reality.

Liverpool Plains Business Chamber president Grant Batty, who is also a member of the committee, said the track was a really exciting project and believed it could have a significant impact on the region as a whole, not just the two towns involved.

Local accountant and fellow committee member Michael Pryor said the concept was excellent and gathering a lot of interest.

“Doug’s passion is extraordinary and that alone is enough to enthuse people to see its great potential,” Mr Pryor said.

The track would take the “picturesque” back route between Werris Creek and Quirindi, running along Bells Gate Rd and Back Werris Creek Rd.