Category: Newcastle News

City of Newcastle is continuing to shore up the much-loved Stockton coastline, building the infrastructure required to shield the area and reduce the risk of inundation during large swells.

A new seawall at the southern end of the existing protection structure in Mitchell Street has recently been completed, with work progressing on the installation of an adjoining 50-metre-long rock bag structure.

Stockton Community Liaison Group representatives Ron Boyd and Barbara Whitcher, Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes and City of Newcastle staff Noor Timol and Philippa Hill outside the work site in Stockton.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the delivery of new protection structures is an important part of City of Newcastle’s program to reduce the risk of erosion.

“City of Newcastle has invested over $16.5 million dollars in the management, protection and remediation of the Stockton coastline since our Coastal Management Program (CMP) was certified by the NSW Government in August 2020,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Our work in Stockton is a crucial line of defence to significantly reduce the chance of further erosion and the loss of public and private land and assets.

“Our current work on these protection structures, and future work along the coastline, will complement our longer-term management strategy of mass sand nourishment.”

The seawall and rock bag structure have been co-funded by the NSW Government via a grant from the Coastal and Estuary Grants Program. 

The rock bags will be integrated into future works to reduce the risk of damage at The Pines, which is the area surrounding the war memorial on Mitchell Street, home to a stand of Norfolk pines. Design and assessment is now underway for works in this area.

An aerial view of the work to build the rock bag structure at Stockton.

City of Newcastle updated the Stockton Community Liaison Group (SCLG) on the latest progress with a tour on site today. 

SCLG Chair Barbara Whitcher said it was good to see work continuing to protect Stockton’s coastline.

“It’s especially pleasing to see how the regular sand scraping has made a difference to the protection of Stockton’s coastline, including during the recent serious weather events,” Ms Whitcher said.

Regular beach scraping activities are undertaken by City of Newcastle to increase dune resilience by accelerating the natural movement of sand, with the latest beach scraping campaign undertaken last month. 

City of Newcastle has continued regular liaison with the Worimi Registered Aboriginal Parties, to ensure current and future works respect the significance of the Stockton coastline to the Worimi people and protects cultural heritage.

In late 2023, the NSW Government, in collaboration with City of Newcastle, placed an initial 130,000 cubic metres of amenity sand to help renourish Stockton Beach. 

The delivery of sand nourishment and investigations into sourcing sand for mass nourishment, which are currently ongoing, have been funded through a $6.2 million grant through the Coastal and Estuarine Risk Mitigation Program, which includes $4.7 million from the Federal Government and $1.5 million from City of Newcastle.

In 2023, the NSW Government committed $21 million to repair Stockton Beach through mass nourishment, the community’s preferred coastal management strategy. 

The development of the Extended Stockton Coastal Management Program (CMP) is also continuing, ahead of public exhibition over summer. 

It outlines an expanded list of management actions that support the long-term strategy of mass sand nourishment included in the 2020 Stockton CMP, and broadens the geographical area covered to include the northern end of Stockton Beach from Meredith Street to the Port Stephens Local Government Area boundary.

City of Newcastle has unveiled a vision for the final stage of the Newcastle Ocean Baths upgrade, which preserves the heritage of the facility while ensuring it is fit-for-purpose for future generations.

The concept plan incorporates the revitalisation of the pavilion buildings including the Art Deco façade, while also enhancing the upper promenade and surrounding areas.

A render for the Concept Plan for the final stage of the Newcastle Ocean Baths upgrade.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said City of Newcastle is inviting the community to have their say as it continues to progress this important revitalisation project.

“City of Newcastle is committed to this once-in-a-generation undertaking to restore the much-loved Newcastle icon,” Cr Nelmes said.

“The upgraded pool and promenade have been overwhelmingly embraced by the community since being reopened last summer.

“I’m thrilled to now share designs for the final stage of the project, which celebrate the unique character of the Newcastle Ocean Baths while ensuring the building and surrounds get a much needed upgrade to ensure they can live on for another 100 years.”

The concept plan includes upgraded pedestrian access from Shortland Esplanade to the front of the building, where visitors can appreciate its historic Art Deco façade before making their way through to the upper promenade.

An expanded kiosk and new community spaces will be incorporated into the southern wing of the building, while the northern end will feature inclusive changerooms that cater for all members of the community, including accessible amenities and a ‘Changing Places’ facility. 

New shade structures and seating will be installed overlooking the adjoining Canoe Pool, with informal terraces offering additional spaces for people to sit and relax. 

A render for the Concept Plan for the final stage of the Newcastle Ocean Baths upgrade.

Prepared by highly regarded Principal Design Consultant Tonkin Zulaikha Greer, the concept plan was informed by community feedback earlier this year and industry leading heritage expertise, with input from environment, engineering and architecture professionals.

Executive Manager Project Management Office, Robert Dudgeon said City of Newcastle will continue to engage with the community as planning progresses for the future of this much-loved public facility.

“The intention is to deliver a facility that welcomes all visitors in an accessible and inclusive way, is sensitive to the site’s heritage, and resilient to coastal inundation and predicted sea level rise,” Mr Dudgeon said.

“The concept has been designed and informed by community feedback, combined with best practice, and has culminated in a collaborative outcome that ensures the character and usage of the Newcastle Ocean Baths is enhanced.  

“On Monday we shared with the Newcastle Ocean Baths Community Reference Group the concept plan, which is the final step before the development of the detailed design.”

City of Newcastle is also working with Heritage NSW as it continues its assessment of the historic site for potential inclusion on the State Heritage Register.

“We remain committed to respecting and celebrating the cultural heritage of this much-loved facility and are working with Heritage NSW throughout this nomination process,” Mr Dudgeon said.

Community members can learn more about the concept plan and provide feedback online until 5 August 2024.

In-person ‘We Love Our Coast’ information sessions will also be held throughout the consultation period, which will provide an opportunity for people to learn more about a range of coastal projects being delivered by City of Newcastle. 

“We know the community loves Newcastle’s coastline, and given the range of projects and strategies we are delivering along the city’s coastline we’re taking the opportunity to open up the conversation with all members of the community,” Cr Nelmes said.

“The ‘We Love Our Coast’ program brings these conversations together and we really encourage the community to come and speak with us during this time.”

Visit City of Newcastle’s We Love Our Coast Have Your Say page for more details.

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a man missing from the Lake Macquarie area.

Neil Purnell, aged 38, was last seen at 1.30pm on Wednesday 12 June 2024 at his residence at Pelican, near Swansea in the Lake Macquarie area.

When Neil was noticed missing by family members, he was reported missing to officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District, who commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.

Police and family hold concerns for Neil’s welfare.

Neil is described as being of Caucasian appearance, 180cm tall, of thin build, fair complexion, with short brown hair and brown coloured eyes.

Neil is known to frequent the Lake Macquarie and Hunter areas.

Anyone with information into Neil’s whereabouts is urged to call Lake Macquarie Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

A pedestrian has died following a crash in the state’s Hunter Valley region earlier this evening.

About 5.45pm on Friday 14 June 2024, emergency services were called to Aberdare Road at Aberdare, near Cessnock, following reports of a pedestrian injured crash.

Officers from Hunter Valley Police District arrived to find a man had been struck by a Hyundai iLoad van.

Despite the efforts of Ambulance Paramedics and first responders, the man died on the way to hospital.

The man, believed to be aged in his 80s, is yet to be formally identified.

A crime scene was established and an investigation into the circumstances surrounding this crash commenced.

The driver of the vehicle, a 64-year-old man, was taken to hospital for mandatory testing.

Police are appealing for information to locate a teenager missing from the state’s north.

Ella North, aged 14, was last seen at an address in Wandandian, on Tuesday 11 June 2024.

When she could not be located or contacted, officers attached to Hunter Valley Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into her whereabouts.

There are concerns for her welfare due to her young age.

She is described as Caucasian in appearance, about 160cm tall, of a medium build, with light brown hair.

Ella is known to frequent the Cessnock area.

Anyone with information into Ella’s whereabouts is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a man missing from the Newcastle area.

Daniel Green, aged 42, was last seen on John Renshaw Drive, Beresfield, about 2pm on Thursday 13 June 2024.

When he was unable to be located or contacted, officers attached to Port Stephens Hunter Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.

Police and family hold concerns for Daniel’s welfare.

He is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 180cm tall, of a solid build, with short brown hair.

He was last seen wearing blue track pants and jumper with a fluoro shirt underneath, work boots and a black cap.

Daniel is known to frequent the Heatherbrae and Raymond Terrace areas.

Anyone with information into Daniel’s whereabouts is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

A man has died following a fatal motorcycle crash in the Lake Macquarie area.

About 7.20pm (Thursday 13 June 2024), emergency services were called to the Pacific Highway, Charlestown, after reports of a motorcycle crash.

Police were told the motorcycle left the roadway and crashed into a light pole.

The rider – a man aged in his 20s – was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics; however, he died at the scene.

He is yet to be formally identified.

Officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District established a crime scene and an investigation commenced into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has dashcam footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

A report will be prepared for the information of the coroner.

Detectives have released CCTV footage following a suspicious house fire at Islington earlier this year.

About 11.20am on Monday 25 March 2024, emergency services were called to a home on Norfolk Avenue, Islington, following reports of a fire.

Fire and Rescue NSW attended and extinguished the blaze; however, parts of the home sustained significant damage.

Officers from Newcastle City Police District attended and commenced inquiries into the circumstance surrounding the blaze under Strike Force Rhodochrosite.

As those inquiries continue, detectives have released CCTV footage of two men who may be able to assist with their inquiries.

The first man is described as being about 170-180cm tall, of solid build and with dark hair.

He is pictured wearing an orange hi-vis shirt, dark shorts, tan work boots and sunglasses.

The second man is described as being about 180-185cm tall, of muscular build and with black hair.

He is pictured wearing a yellow hi-vis shirt, dark shorts, dark shoes and sunglasses.

The latest stage of a $6 million investment into roads and footpath improvements across the western suburbs has seen extensive road resurfacing wrap up along a section of Wallsend’s bustling Nelson Street.  

This stage of the Wallsend town centre renewal project saw the Nelson Street project delivered by repairing and improving the surface of the roadway, while the Main Street saw landscaping and streetscape improvements to enhance the look and feel of the town centre.  

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes, Cr Elizabeth Adamczyk and Cr Deahnna Richardson with City of Newcastle staff Bruce Pemberton, Jack Hawthorne and Bianca Field-Vo, inspect the upgrade road surface along Nelson Street, Wallsend.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said City of Newcastle is focused on meeting the needs of the growing population in and around Wallsend.    

“This includes delivering road and bridge upgrades to alleviate traffic congestion, creating safer and more accessible cycling and pedestrian pathways, as well as doing more to help reduce the risk of the Wallsend CBD flooding during super storm events,” Cr Nelmes said. 

“Through our Local Centres program, City of Newcastle is committed to upgrades in Wallsend that will benefit both businesses and residents by delivering a safer, more attractive place to visit, shop, dine, and meet with friends.”

Councillor Elizabeth Adamczyk, who is the Deputy Chair of City of Newcastle’s Liveable Cities Advisory Committee, said working with our local Wallsend businesses and community during consultation and delivery is crucial. 

“The works on Nelson Street were done at night to minimise disruptions during the day when thousands of cars use the area,” Cr Adamczyk said.  

“We are ensuring that both the planning and investment in infrastructure occurs for the long-term renewal of these important business districts and suburbs to protect and enhance the liveability for our community.” 

Nelson Street, Wallsend before the road resurfacing

Nelson Street, Wallsend after the road resurfacing

Dual-lane road upgrades at Longworth Avenue and Minmi Road are currently in the design phase, and work is planned to start early next year. 

To improve traffic flow both ahead of and during construction of these major upgrades, a series of smaller traffic changes are also being considered.  

Community members are invited to provide feedback on these ancillary works via the Have Your Say page on City of Newcastle’s website before 1 July.