Lord Mayoral Minutes
StudyNSW website update
A Lord Mayoral Minute to write, in partnership with the University of Newcastle, to the NSW Government Minister responsible for the StudyNSW website requesting promotion of regional cities like Newcastle as study destinations, was supported.
National Communciations Charter: A unified approach to mental health and suicide prevention
A Lord Mayoral Minute to sign Everymind’s National Communications Charter and take a leadership role on removing the stigma of mental illness and suicide, both for our staff and across the broader community, was supported.
Stockton Beach erosion natural disaster update
A Lord Mayoral Minute commending the Stockton community and committing to a range of actions to help it endure strains posed by ongoing erosion issues was supported.
Audit and Risk Committee 2018/19 Annual Report
Council voted to receive its Audit and Risk Committee’s Annual Report for the 2018/2019 financial year.
Adoption of outdoor trading policy
Council resolved to abolish outdoor trading fees across the city to encourage more outdoor dining. Aimed at encouraging more outdoor dining and activating commercial centres, the amendment to the City’s Outdoor Trading Policy will save inner-city businesses $115 a year for every square metre they host patrons in outdoors, and $65/sqm for businesses elsewhere in Newcastle.
Newcastle and Merewether ocean baths expressions of interest update
Council resolved to prepare concept-design plans for the upgrade of Newcastle and Merewether ocean baths and investigate funding sources following an unsuccessful expression of interest process to find an investment partner.
Janet Street, Jesmond – proposed upgrade to existing pedestrian crossing
The City will raise a pedestrian crossing on Janet Street, Jesmond, east of Algie Street, and extend the kerb to increase public safety.
Dissolution of community facilities s355 committees
Council resolved to formally dissolve the Carrington Community Centre and Henderson Park Hall committees and formally acknowledge the contributions made by their volunteer members after both groups voluntarily stood down recently.
Live music strategy update
Council received an update on the implementation of the Live Music Strategy 2019-2023. Following extensive research and engagement with both music industry stakeholders and wider community, the City has captured data and feedback that can be summarised under five key themes for which actions can be taken to improve the live music sector: venue management and safety, promotion, development and diversification of the music sector, conflict mitigation between live music venues and surrounding communities and definition, awareness of and expectation management of music precincts.
Six-Monthly Performance Report on the 2018-2022 Delivery Program (our budget 2019/20)
Council received the Six-Monthly Performance Report on the 2018-2022 Delivery Program.
Adoption of the western corridor section 7.11 local contributions plan
Council adopted the Western Corridor Local Infrastructure Contributions Plan 2013
Tabling of pecuniary interest returns – 1 November 2019 to 31 January 2020
Council noted the tabling of pecuniary interest returns by the CEO.
Council Chambers – City Hall
City Hall’s Council Chambers will be opened to the public for commercial hire under a tiered pricing system that encourages both the private sector and community groups to utilise the historic facility.
Quarterly budget review – December
Council received the December Quarterly Budget Review Statement in which our works program for the 2019/20 financial year has been increased to $99.6 million from around $85 million, with our forecasted budget surplus reduced by $3.8 million to $4.1 million.
Executive monthly performance
Council received the Executive Monthly Performance Report for January 2020
Notices of Motion
Ocean baths redevelopment update
A Notice of Motion noting that a Community Reference Group will now be established to inform the upgrade of Newcastle Ocean Baths was supported.
Electric waste management vehicles
Another Notice of Motion, to receive a report on conversion of the City’s waste management vehicle fleet to electric vehicles, was supported.
NSW bushfire emergency response
A third Notice of Motion, to help neighbouring councils affected by recent bush fires with plant equipment and staff hours, was supported.
Category: Newcastle News
All the news happening in the Newcastle and Hunter Region
Community feedback flows for Newcastle Ocean Baths revitalisation
Thousands of Novocastrians have been involved in community engagement on revitalisation of Newcastle Ocean Baths, with consultation forming an integral part of the City of Newcastle’s concept-design phase.
The City has committed to funding the restoration of the Newcastle Oceans Baths and is determined to see the facility become an asset the community can be proud of, while also ensuring they remain a public asset with free entry to swim all year round.
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“Not only have we reached out to the wider community through our online ideas wall which has received more than 5,000 page visits and 890 ideas entries, we have also conducted more than 200 face-to-face interviews and 900 telephone polls to better understand our community’s vision for how this site will look and be used,” City of Newcastle Community Engagement Coordinator Jamie Ferguson said.
“Opening up the conversation to all people in the community has been extremely beneficial and has resulted in a breadth of ideas and concepts to support future improvements. This diversity of views brings better outcomes for current and future users.”
Some of the ideas received to date include shade structures, a community space available for hire, health and wellbeing facilities such as a gym, seating and change room upgrades and a kiosk or restaurant.
Any suggestion that plans for the future use of the site are predetermined is false.
Meanwhile, community consultation will be maintained through a Community Reference Group (CRG) before information sessions and a public exhibition period to present concept plans to the broader community. Councillors will then review and approve any restoration.
“We want to ensure this upgrade does justice to the heritage of this site and that our maintenance and upgrade program protects the site for another 50 years,” Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said.
“The City of Newcastle seeks to form a Community Reference Group which has 50 percent stakeholder and user-group representation and 50 per cent of members selected from the broader community via an expressions of interest process.
“We have received more than 80 applications from members of the public wanting to be a part of Community Reference Group so far, which is great to see. Our aim is to have people from all around Newcastle and from different walks of life forming this group.”
Expressions of interest for the Newcastle Ocean Baths CRG close on Thursday 27 February.
City provides plan for reopening of Lexie’s café
The City of Newcastle and Lexie’s Cafe are working on a plan to reopen the much-loved Stockton cafe. The process to reopen the café will first require securing insurance for the building leased to Lexie’s Cafe. Prior to this necessary step, Lexie’s Café has committed to the development of a Management Plan.
The City of Newcastle and Lexie’s have also discussed establishing a temporary café in Stockton, beside the Stockton Ferry Terminal, while the necessary work is done to get Lexie’s reopened at its traditional Mitchell Street home.
The Lexie’s Café building was closed following the results of an independent risk assessment, which determined it was at imminent risk of a one-in-two-year storm event.
Following the recent Natural Disaster weather event, a Coastal Risk Assessment Review determined that only a bare 70 cubic metres of sand was left as a buffer in front of the building leased to the café.
Lexie’s Cafe, which was already operating on a month-to-month lease, was indefinitely closed a week ago after a review found that, based on the current erosion scarp location, the building was now within the zone of wave impact, and therefore at risk, in a one-in-two year storm event.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said a meeting today between the leasee and City of Newcastle was positive with both parties agreeing to work together on a solution for re-opening Lexie’s Café.
“While we would have loved for the Lexie’s Café to continue trading at Stockton Beach as it has for many years, once City of Newcastle officers were presented with the Coastal Risk Assessment Review, the responsible action was to act immediately,” Cr Nelmes said.
“City of Newcastle is exploring all available options to secure insurance for the building. While that process is underway, I’ve asked for the construction of a temporary café to the east of the Stockton Ferry Terminal, away from the erosion threat, as an interim measure.
“There are many hoops we need to get through, but we have made it clear to Lexie’s management that we want to work together towards a solution for Lexie’s that will protect local jobs and safeguard the local economy.
“We know that Lexie’s attracts many visitors and tourists to Stockton, just as the nearby Stockton Holiday Park does.”
Lexie’s Café owner Nick Sovechles said today’s meeting had been a positive step forward in re-establishing the much-loved café.
“While reopening Lexie’s remains our preferred option, we understand that the issue of securing insurance for the building must first be resolved. In the meantime, we will work with City of Newcastle on options including a temporary café beside the Stockton Ferry Wharf,” he said.
“What is clear is that the Stockton community cannot take many more financial hits. It needs commercial ventures that attract people to Stockton, and a café near the very popular Children’s Active Play Hub is one way of doing that.
“What is equally clear is that we need the State Government to support City of Newcastle in its development of a Coastal Management Program so that come 30 June, our community has a long-term solution to the erosion of Stockton Beach.”
Background:
An independent engineering report stated that the building is at significant risk from a one-in-two-year storm event. To give some context, a typical risk assessment is based on a one-in-100-year storm event.
The City of Newcastle is unable to secure insurance on the Mitchell Street building, which leaves both the City and ratepayers liable should the building fail without warning.
The City has agreed to commence a nation-wide search for an insurer willing to provide coverage for the building.
This combined, with a Management Plan supported by Lexie’s management, would likely allow the café to reopen in its existing location while a permanent solution to the coastal erosion is determined and delivered.
In the meantime, City of Newcastle will construct a temporary café to the east of the Stockton Ferry Terminal. The location is ideal given more than 50,000 passengers a month use the ferry.
Thousands more people use the sporting facilities at Griffith Park each Saturday morning including the Stockton Parkrun. The incredibly popular Stockton Active Play Hub also attracts a ready-made market of café users seven days a week. The location of the nearby carpark and toilets will also help the commercial success of the cafe.
Typically, City of Newcastle would conduct an expression of interest for the operation of the café.
However, in light of the unfortunate decision to close Lexie’s, the City will waive this requirement.
If City of Newcastle is able to re-open Lexie’s in its existing location, the café at the Ferry Terminal will be re-evaluated as part of a review of the Park Plan of Management.
The City of Newcastle and Lexie’s have also discussed establishing a temporary café in Stockton, beside the Stockton Ferry Terminal, while the necessary work is done to get Lexie’s reopened at its traditional Mitchell Street home.
The Lexie’s Café building was closed following the results of an independent risk assessment, which determined it was at imminent risk of a one-in-two-year storm event.
Following the recent Natural Disaster weather event, a Coastal Risk Assessment Review determined that only a bare 70 cubic metres of sand was left as a buffer in front of the building leased to the café.
Lexie’s Cafe, which was already operating on a month-to-month lease, was indefinitely closed a week ago after a review found that, based on the current erosion scarp location, the building was now within the zone of wave impact, and therefore at risk, in a one-in-two year storm event.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said a meeting today between the leasee and City of Newcastle was positive with both parties agreeing to work together on a solution for re-opening Lexie’s Café.
“While we would have loved for the Lexie’s Café to continue trading at Stockton Beach as it has for many years, once City of Newcastle officers were presented with the Coastal Risk Assessment Review, the responsible action was to act immediately,” Cr Nelmes said.
“City of Newcastle is exploring all available options to secure insurance for the building. While that process is underway, I’ve asked for the construction of a temporary café to the east of the Stockton Ferry Terminal, away from the erosion threat, as an interim measure.
“There are many hoops we need to get through, but we have made it clear to Lexie’s management that we want to work together towards a solution for Lexie’s that will protect local jobs and safeguard the local economy.
“We know that Lexie’s attracts many visitors and tourists to Stockton, just as the nearby Stockton Holiday Park does.”
Lexie’s Café owner Nick Sovechles said today’s meeting had been a positive step forward in re-establishing the much-loved café.
“While reopening Lexie’s remains our preferred option, we understand that the issue of securing insurance for the building must first be resolved. In the meantime, we will work with City of Newcastle on options including a temporary café beside the Stockton Ferry Wharf,” he said.
“What is clear is that the Stockton community cannot take many more financial hits. It needs commercial ventures that attract people to Stockton, and a café near the very popular Children’s Active Play Hub is one way of doing that.
“What is equally clear is that we need the State Government to support City of Newcastle in its development of a Coastal Management Program so that come 30 June, our community has a long-term solution to the erosion of Stockton Beach.”
Background:
An independent engineering report stated that the building is at significant risk from a one-in-two-year storm event. To give some context, a typical risk assessment is based on a one-in-100-year storm event.
The City of Newcastle is unable to secure insurance on the Mitchell Street building, which leaves both the City and ratepayers liable should the building fail without warning.
The City has agreed to commence a nation-wide search for an insurer willing to provide coverage for the building.
This combined, with a Management Plan supported by Lexie’s management, would likely allow the café to reopen in its existing location while a permanent solution to the coastal erosion is determined and delivered.
In the meantime, City of Newcastle will construct a temporary café to the east of the Stockton Ferry Terminal. The location is ideal given more than 50,000 passengers a month use the ferry.
Thousands more people use the sporting facilities at Griffith Park each Saturday morning including the Stockton Parkrun. The incredibly popular Stockton Active Play Hub also attracts a ready-made market of café users seven days a week. The location of the nearby carpark and toilets will also help the commercial success of the cafe.
Typically, City of Newcastle would conduct an expression of interest for the operation of the café.
However, in light of the unfortunate decision to close Lexie’s, the City will waive this requirement.
If City of Newcastle is able to re-open Lexie’s in its existing location, the café at the Ferry Terminal will be re-evaluated as part of a review of the Park Plan of Management.
New high-visibility unit hits the ground in the Hunter and Central Coast
Residents of the Hunter and Central Coast will see a more visible police presence on their streets from this month, with the commencement of a newly formed high-visibility police unit.
In January 2019, the NSW Government announced 100 new high-visibility officers to be stationed at five regions across the state. In the Northern Region, six officers will be posted at Newcastle Police Station to service multiple police districts including:
- Newcastle City
- Lake Macquarie
- Port Stephens-Hunter
- Hunter Valley
- Tuggerah Lakes
- Brisbane Water
The Northern High-Visibility Police (HVP) Unit is aimed at preventing, disrupting, and responding to crime by undertaking high-visibility patrols of crime hotspots, roads, transport networks, local neighbourhoods, and planned events.
The HVP Unit will proactively engage with individuals, groups and communities at risk of crime in an effort to build intelligence-driven data. The officers will be specifically trained in intelligence gathering, so they can proactively identify conflicts ranging from local level issues to more serious incidents.
Northern Region Commander, Assistant Commissioner Max Mitchell APM, said the high-visibility teams will be a reassuring presence on Hunter and Central Coast streets, playing a key role in disrupting crime and anti-social behaviour.
“High-visibility policing is a crucial element of regional policing – we want our communities to know we are there in numbers to protect and support them 24/7.
“Local policing is at the heart of any regional community, and the HVP Unit is designed to increase overall confidence for all members of the community, by addressing any concerns from retail owners, to visitors, to residents and workers.
“The Northern HVP Unit will have the ability to be deployed wherever our demand and need is. They are highly-skilled and available to engage with the public – we want you to come up and talk to them, tell them what is happening in your neighbourhood.
“By targeting crime with more boots on the ground and in a highly-visible manner, it’s hoped offenders will have second thoughts before breaking the law,” AC Mitchell said.
The HVP officers can be deployed to any areas of the Northern Region as deemed appropriate.
The Northern HVP Unit consists of one Sergeant and five Constables; the officers commenced their first foot patrols last week.
New high-visibility unit hits the ground in the Hunter and Central Coast
In January 2019, the NSW Government announced 100 new high-visibility officers to be stationed at five regions across the state. In the Northern Region, six officers will be posted at Newcastle Police Station to service multiple police districts including:
- Newcastle City
- Lake Macquarie
- Port Stephens-Hunter
- Hunter Valley
- Tuggerah Lakes
- Brisbane Water
The Northern HVP Unit consists of one Sergeant and five Constables; the officers commenced their first foot patrols last week.
Motorcyclist dies after crash with SUV – Hunter Valley
A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner following the death of a motorcyclist in the Hunter Valley yesterday afternoon.
Emergency services were called to Great North Road, Bucketty (40km north-west of Somersby), about 4.30pm (Sunday 23 February 2020), responding to reports of a crash involving a motorcycle and SUV.
Officers from Hunter Valley Police District were told a man was riding north and a Mitsubishi SUV was being driven south, when the crash occurred in the southbound lane.
The SUV left the road, crashing down a ravine trapping the driver, while the motorcyclist was thrown down the same ravine.
Paramedics were winched by helicopter down the ravine to the injured motorcyclist; however, he died a short time after being brought up to the roadway.
He is believed to have been aged 59 and from Mardi.
A 44-year-old woman, from Paxton, was released from the wreckage of her SUV and escaped with relatively minor injuries.
She was taken to Wyong Hospital for mandatory testing.
Police were assisted at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics, Rescue helicopter crew, RFS and VRA volunteers.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages.
Celebrate 90 magical years of Civic jewels
To celebrate the 90th anniversary of the opening of the Civic Theatre and City Hall, a first ever ‘access all areas’ tour will be offered to the general public on Sunday 1 March.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the event was a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the historic pasts and bright futures of both the Civic Theatre and City Hall.
Civic Theatre and City Hall under comnstruction.
“City Hall and the Civic Theatre are beautiful buildings which are part of the cultural and civic fabric of our city,” Councillor Nelmes said.
“They are owned by and maintained for the people of Newcastle. Our 90th anniversary celebrations are an opportunity to show residents and visitors aspects of both venues they have never seen before.”
The event kicks off in Wheeler Place at midday, with a host of free, fun activities, including an aerial circus show, circus skills workshops, live music including a funky brass band, giant wooden games and puzzles, face painting and air brush tattoos.
Manager Civic Services Delia O’Hara with Civic Theatre Manager Leonie Wallace and the Lord Mayor.
The Civic Digest café will be open for business and the art deco Civic Bar will provide somewhere to relax with music performed by talented local musicians throughout the afternoon.
“After the official launch in Wheeler Place, guests are invited to come on special behind-the-scenes guided tours of both City Hall and the Civic Theatre, running between 12.30pm and 3.30pm,” Manager Civic Services Delia O’Hara said.
“Bookings are not necessary, but we advise you to be early, so you don’t miss out.
“On the Civic Theatre tour, you will go up onto the stage and into the backstage areas, normally off limits to the public. You will hear about what goes on behind-the-scenes, and while on stage a range of leading local Newcastle drama, dance and musical theatre companies will provide a rare insight into the secrets of staging a production – from auditions through to tech runs. This program is presented in collaboration with the City of Newcastle Drama Association.
“The City Hall guided tours will take guests through all three levels of the building – including the Lord Mayor’s office and Council Chambers – giving visitors an insight into the many uses of the building over the past 90 years and major events which have taken place.
“In the Cummings Room, we will present an historical exhibition about both venues, including a rarely seen silent film commissioned locally in the 1930s, and local historian Sue Ryan will be on hand from 1pm-2pm to answer questions about the history of both buildings.
“Guests are also welcome to visit the Concert Hall where, between 12.30pm and 3.30pm, some of our most talented local musicians will present the ‘Showcasing the Steinway’ program.”
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the event was a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the historic pasts and bright futures of both the Civic Theatre and City Hall.
Civic Theatre and City Hall under comnstruction.“City Hall and the Civic Theatre are beautiful buildings which are part of the cultural and civic fabric of our city,” Councillor Nelmes said.
“They are owned by and maintained for the people of Newcastle. Our 90th anniversary celebrations are an opportunity to show residents and visitors aspects of both venues they have never seen before.”
The event kicks off in Wheeler Place at midday, with a host of free, fun activities, including an aerial circus show, circus skills workshops, live music including a funky brass band, giant wooden games and puzzles, face painting and air brush tattoos.
Manager Civic Services Delia O’Hara with Civic Theatre Manager Leonie Wallace and the Lord Mayor.The Civic Digest café will be open for business and the art deco Civic Bar will provide somewhere to relax with music performed by talented local musicians throughout the afternoon.
“After the official launch in Wheeler Place, guests are invited to come on special behind-the-scenes guided tours of both City Hall and the Civic Theatre, running between 12.30pm and 3.30pm,” Manager Civic Services Delia O’Hara said.
“Bookings are not necessary, but we advise you to be early, so you don’t miss out.
“On the Civic Theatre tour, you will go up onto the stage and into the backstage areas, normally off limits to the public. You will hear about what goes on behind-the-scenes, and while on stage a range of leading local Newcastle drama, dance and musical theatre companies will provide a rare insight into the secrets of staging a production – from auditions through to tech runs. This program is presented in collaboration with the City of Newcastle Drama Association.
“The City Hall guided tours will take guests through all three levels of the building – including the Lord Mayor’s office and Council Chambers – giving visitors an insight into the many uses of the building over the past 90 years and major events which have taken place.
“In the Cummings Room, we will present an historical exhibition about both venues, including a rarely seen silent film commissioned locally in the 1930s, and local historian Sue Ryan will be on hand from 1pm-2pm to answer questions about the history of both buildings.
“Guests are also welcome to visit the Concert Hall where, between 12.30pm and 3.30pm, some of our most talented local musicians will present the ‘Showcasing the Steinway’ program.”
City to fund ocean baths restorations
City of Newcastle has committed to funding the restoration of both Newcastle and Merewether Ocean Baths following an unsuccessful expressions of interest (EOI) process.
With no EOI submissions progressing beyond an initial panel review, City of Newcastle will form a community reference group by the end of the month to guide the restoration of Newcastle Ocean Baths and commence further engagement on the Merewether pavilion later this year.
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The current round of community engagement is due to conclude at the end of February while initial planning continues, including detailed site investigations to further understand the condition of Newcastle and Merewether Ocean Baths and the level of rectification required.
“I’m determined to see the Newcastle Ocean Baths become an asset all Novocastrians can be proud of,” Cr Nuatali Nelmes said.
“This means converting feedback from the current community engagement process into the preliminary design that once costed, can be further tested with the community to ensure the Newcastle Ocean Baths receives an appropriate restoration 98 years after it was first built.
“We’ve made a great start on understanding what the community want from the Baths with more than 600 comments already logged on the City’s ideas wall. Intercept surveys are taking place at the Baths and other city locations before the end of February.
“We’ll now progress with forming a community reference group that represents user groups, the local business community and broader ratepayer base with the aim of holding our first meeting next month.
“The Baths are a treasured part of Newcastle’s history. Developed responsibly and with respect to its local heritage, we will deliver public baths that remain appealing to people throughout our city and one of our key tourism drawcards. This includes protection of its facade, the blue-stepped bleaches and its free entry to swim all year round.”
The Newcastle Coastal Plan of Management, adopted by Council in 2015, prescribed an expression of interest (EOI) for the pavilions and identified cafes, kiosks and restaurants as potential future uses, with the stipulation that revenue be re-invested in coastal upgrades and maintenance.
The City invited EOIs in November 2019 before bringing forward engagement following incorrect claims that the Newcastle and Merewether Baths would be privatised.
Under the EOI, the City committed to retaining Newcastle Ocean Baths’ iconic art-deco façade and bleacher seating, while providing renewed public change rooms with hot water showers and improving shading, car parking, disability access and seating in line with previous engagement results.
City of Newcastle Director of Infrastructure Ken Liddell said the City would review the community engagement results before preparing draft concept plans.
“Community consultation will be maintained through a reference group, while information sessions and a public exhibition will be held to present concept plans to the broader community before Councillors review and approve any restoration,” Mr Liddell said.
“I expect the concept plan will be completed this year with detailed design works to follow in preparation for construction work to start in 2021.”
City of Newcastle will form its Newcastle Ocean Baths community reference group in February with invitations to user groups and stakeholders along with an EOI for broader community involvement.
Community reference group
The stakeholder groups to be invited to be part of the community reference group (CRG) will include, but not be limited to:
With no EOI submissions progressing beyond an initial panel review, City of Newcastle will form a community reference group by the end of the month to guide the restoration of Newcastle Ocean Baths and commence further engagement on the Merewether pavilion later this year.
The current round of community engagement is due to conclude at the end of February while initial planning continues, including detailed site investigations to further understand the condition of Newcastle and Merewether Ocean Baths and the level of rectification required.
“I’m determined to see the Newcastle Ocean Baths become an asset all Novocastrians can be proud of,” Cr Nuatali Nelmes said.
“This means converting feedback from the current community engagement process into the preliminary design that once costed, can be further tested with the community to ensure the Newcastle Ocean Baths receives an appropriate restoration 98 years after it was first built.
“We’ve made a great start on understanding what the community want from the Baths with more than 600 comments already logged on the City’s ideas wall. Intercept surveys are taking place at the Baths and other city locations before the end of February.
“We’ll now progress with forming a community reference group that represents user groups, the local business community and broader ratepayer base with the aim of holding our first meeting next month.
“The Baths are a treasured part of Newcastle’s history. Developed responsibly and with respect to its local heritage, we will deliver public baths that remain appealing to people throughout our city and one of our key tourism drawcards. This includes protection of its facade, the blue-stepped bleaches and its free entry to swim all year round.”
The Newcastle Coastal Plan of Management, adopted by Council in 2015, prescribed an expression of interest (EOI) for the pavilions and identified cafes, kiosks and restaurants as potential future uses, with the stipulation that revenue be re-invested in coastal upgrades and maintenance.
The City invited EOIs in November 2019 before bringing forward engagement following incorrect claims that the Newcastle and Merewether Baths would be privatised.
Under the EOI, the City committed to retaining Newcastle Ocean Baths’ iconic art-deco façade and bleacher seating, while providing renewed public change rooms with hot water showers and improving shading, car parking, disability access and seating in line with previous engagement results.
City of Newcastle Director of Infrastructure Ken Liddell said the City would review the community engagement results before preparing draft concept plans.
“Community consultation will be maintained through a reference group, while information sessions and a public exhibition will be held to present concept plans to the broader community before Councillors review and approve any restoration,” Mr Liddell said.
“I expect the concept plan will be completed this year with detailed design works to follow in preparation for construction work to start in 2021.”
City of Newcastle will form its Newcastle Ocean Baths community reference group in February with invitations to user groups and stakeholders along with an EOI for broader community involvement.
Community reference group
The stakeholder groups to be invited to be part of the community reference group (CRG) will include, but not be limited to:
- Friends of Newcastle Ocean Baths
- Pirates swimming club
- Local business
- Indigenous (Guraki / Awabakal)
- Coal River Working Party
- Newcastle East Residents Group
- Australian Institute of Architects
For expressions of interest to the community, City of Newcastle will aim for broad representation from across the four wards and, include but not be limited to, youth, people with disability, Indigenous representation and pensioners. Applications to be part of the CRG close on February 27 and interested community members can apply here.
The Newcastle Ocean Baths Community Reference Group will have terms of reference based on the existing CRG for the Bathers Way. The CRG will be independently facilitated.
TIME RUNNING OUT TO FIX STOCKTON EROSION DISASTER
NSW Labor Leader Jodi McKay and Labor State Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp have backed pleas for Stockton Beach to be declared a Natural Disaster following another devastating weekend of erosion.
Stockton’s caravan park is the latest site to come under threat, only four months after the suburb’s only childcare centre was demolished as a result of the receding coastline.
In September Ms McKay visited the community with Mr Crakanthorp and called on the Berejiklian Liberal Government to:
- Immediately appoint a State Recovery Coordinator to manage a whole of government response to the erosion crisis at Stockton.
- Direct the Coordinator to urgently assist City of Newcastle with repairs, stabilisation and beach replenishment works to protect Stockton and save the beach.
- Work collaboratively with the City of Newcastle, the community and business to expedite the Coastal Management Program, for completion and adoption by the end of the year, to address long term erosion in Stockton.
The Government ignored Labor’s call and instead the Minister for Local Government committed to finding a long-term solution by the end of 2019. Disappointingly, the Minister failed to meet this deadline.
Ms McKay said: “The Government’s neglect of one of Newcastle’s beloved beaches is unacceptable and it would not be allowed to happen at Bondi or Manly. The people of Newcastle deserve better.”
Mr Crakanthorp said: “Time is slipping away, and Stockton is slipping faster.
“How much more do we need to lose? How dangerous does this have to become for the community before this Government pulls its finger out and acts?
“The fact that the Liberal Government ignored our calls for a State Recovery Coordinator has undoubtedly resulted in further damage to Stockton.
“A Natural Disaster declaration would be a step in the right direction, but ultimately what we need is an urgent solution to this erosion crisis and this Government must act now.”
REGIONAL TRAVEL CARD FLOP – NEWCASTLE SENIORS MISS OUT
More than 20,000 Newcastle seniors have been excluded from the NSW Government’s Regional Seniors Travel Card program, despite it being available to those living in neighbouring local government areas.
The $250 card allows eligible seniors to save on fuel and taxis, and pay for pre-booked NSW Trainlink Regional trains and coaches, however Newcastle residents miss out due to the city’s classification as ‘metropolitan’.
For example, this means that seniors in Stockton cannot receive the card, but those in the neighbouring suburb of Fern Bay can.
“The people of Stockton and Fern Bay are living side by side and it’s ridiculous to see them divided this way,” Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp said.
“Newcastle’s bus service has already been decimated by this Government – this would have made it easier for seniors to access vital services, but they’ve been left out in the cold again.
“This Government’s arbitrary and inconsistent classification of Newcastle as metropolitan or regional according to their whim is unfair and wrong.”
Shadow Minister for Seniors and Cost of Living Jo Haylen said the exclusion was another blow for seniors and pensioners who were already struggling with the cost of living.
“Seniors and pensioners are the people who need this help the most, and it shouldn’t matter where they live,” Ms Haylen said.
“There has been nothing fair about the rollout of this scheme – Newcastle residents should be just as entitled to this card as their neighbours in Lake Macquarie or Port Stephens.”