Category: Newcastle News

City of Newcastle is giving Novocastrians their first look inside the expanded Newcastle Art Gallery as construction progresses on the landmark project.

Artist’s impressions and an animated flythrough of the Art Gallery’s new interior reveal a grand new entry, sleek, modern aesthetic, light-filled rooms and an expansive range of exhibition spaces that demonstrate just how fantastic the expanded Gallery will be.

An artist’s impression of one of the first floor gallery spaces, with John Olsen ‘The sea sun of 5 bells’ artwork on the ceiling.

Digital versions of artworks from the Gallery’s extensive collection help bring the new spaces to life, including the renowned The sea sun of 5 bells work by Newcastle’s own John Olsen, which will once again hang proudly on the ceiling at the top of a soaring double-height void.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said it is wonderful to get a glimpse of what the community can look forward to once the long-awaited expansion is complete.

“The Newcastle Art Gallery will deliver a significant cultural tourism opportunity for NSW, providing greater access to one of Australia’s most significant public collections of art and a wider range of prominent local, national and international exhibitions,” Cr Nelmes said.

“By extending the building’s footprint east along Darby Street and Queen Street, we’re able to more than double the size of the Gallery with new exhibition space, a suite of modern facilities, and for the first time in the Gallery’s history, a permanent cafe that will complement and enhance the experience for visitors from near and far to this landmark cultural facility.

“After more than a decade of advocacy to make the expansion a reality, it’s amazing to watch the new Art Gallery taking shape with work progressing well on site, while the animated flythrough allows us to step inside and get a feel of what awaits once we can welcome our community back into their reimagined space.”

Newcastle Art Gallery Foundation Chair Suzie Galwey said excitement was building amongst its members and donors, with the presentation of a cheque for $4.55 million to Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen for the expansion. 

“It is the largest payment by the Foundation to date and brings our total contribution to 50 percent of our $13 million funding target, in line with the construction milestone,” Ms Galwey said.

“This cheque represents many years of philanthropic giving, community passion, advocacy and fundraising for a world class gallery for Newcastle and the Hunter.

“It’s wonderful to celebrate this milestone payment as we get our first look at what we can expect inside this flagship cultural asset.

“The Foundation thanks its members and donors for their generosity and unwavering support for this project over many years. We believe these images will inspire additional excitement and community support as the Foundation works towards its ambitious $13 million philanthropic goal.”

An artist’s impression of the aerial view of the expanded Newcastle Art Gallery.

Construction is moving forward on site following extensive site preparation and mine grouting works, with the ground floor slabs for the new Gallery spaces and cafe now complete.

The ground floor and basement columns are progressing alongside the installation of the shear walls, which will provide the structural support needed for the new building. 

The suspended slab formwork and reinforcement works are already helping to illustrate the impressive scale of the expanded Gallery.

The structure surrounding two new passenger lifts and a goods hoist are being formed up and poured on site. Sparkles, the 33 metre tall hammerhead tower crane named by five-year-old Mabel Read as part of a community competition, has also been hard at work lifting and moving hundreds of tonnes of reinforcing mesh and structural steel needed during construction.

Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen said the project will allow for an enhanced Gallery experience.

“With an additional 1,600 square meters of exhibition space, we will be able to provide dedicated areas on the lower level for our collection, while also being able to welcome some of the best touring exhibitions into our first floor galleries,” Cr Clausen said.

“The multi-purpose and educational program space will also expand and enhance the way our community interacts with and experiences all our Art Gallery has to offer.”

The Newcastle Art Gallery expansion project is supported by $5 million from the Australian Government under the Regional Recovery Partnerships and $5 million from the New South Wales Government under the Regional Recovery Package, as well as $12 million from the Newcastle Art Gallery Foundation made possible through the Valerie and John Ryan bequest, Margaret Olley Trust, and community fundraising over many years. A further $1 million is currently being sought through the Foundation’s public fundraising campaign.

The Regional Recovery Partnerships initiative seeks to broker connections between all levels of government to increase information flow, share technical expertise and strengthen regional development outcomes.

Organised Crime Squad detectives searched a Lurnea property last week as an investigation into the death of a Brazilian diver in Newcastle continues.

About 9.30am on Monday 9 May 2022, emergency services were called to the Port of Newcastle after a male diver was located unresponsive in the water, with 54kg of cocaine located nearby.

Despite the efforts of witnesses and paramedics, the man could not be revived.

He was later formally identified as 31-year-old Brazilian national, Bruno Borges Martins.

The location of an alleged second diver – 32-year-old Jhoni Fernandes Da Silva – remains unknown.

Local police commenced inquiries, before the matter was taken carriage of by State Crime Command’s Organised Crime Squad under Strike Force Groove.

During the course of investigation, detectives were assisted by the Australian Federal Police (AFP), Australian Border Force (ABF), Northern Territory Police (NTPOL) and Queensland Police Service (QPS).

To date, two men have been charged and remain before the courts.

As part of ongoing investigations, detectives identified Jhoni Fernandes Da Silva is believed to have stayed for one or two months in a granny flat at the rear of a home on Jedda Road, Lurnea.

Investigators subsequently executed a crime scene warrant at the premises about 5.45pm on Wednesday (19 June 2024).

Specialist officers forensically examined the residence including luminol, fingerprints and DNA.

Investigations under Strike Force Groove are continuing.

Hunter Valley Police have charged a driver after they allegedly located hundreds of illegal cigarette packets, vapes and cash in a vehicle.

About 8.30pm yesterday (Saturday 22 June 2024), officers attached Hunter Valley Police District stopped a Toyota SUV on New England Highway, Parkville, for a random breath test.

During the stop, police allegedly located a large quantity of tabacco in the back seat of the SUV.

Following a search of the vehicle officers located and seized 682 packets of cigarettes, 40 vapes – hidden in exercise equipment – and over $52,000 in Australian currency.

The total street value of the items seized is estimated to be over $20,000.

The driver of the SUV, a 23-year-old man, was arrested and taken to Muswellbrook Police Station.

The man was charged with deal with property proceeds of crime less than $100,000, custody of knife in public place, possess tobacco 5 kilograms or above, convey/possess tobacco products reckless re defraud revenue, goods in personal custody suspected being stolen, restricted substance sold by non-wholesaler, deal with property proceeds of crime less than $100,000 and goods suspected stolen in/on premises.

The 23-year-old was refused bail to appear before Newcastle Local Court today (Sunday 23 June 2024).

Police have charged six teenagers following a pursuit in the state’s Hunter region.

About 10.35pm last night (Saturday 22 June 2024) officers attached to the Traffic and Highway Patrol Command observed an allegedly stolen Volkswagen sedan travelling at speed on the New England Highway, Whittingham.

Police attempted to stop the vehicle and when it failed to stop, a pursuit was initiated. 

The vehicle was pursued through Singleton and Muswellbrook before police successfully deployed road spikes and formed a roadblock near Aberdeen, stopping the vehicle.

During the roadblock, the Volkswagen allegedly rammed into two highway patrol vehicles.

All six occupants – a 14-year-old male driver and his five male passengers, one aged 15 and four aged 17 – were arrested at the scene and taken to Muswellbrook Police Station.

The 14-year-old driver was charged with police pursuit – not stop – drive recklessly, drive conveyance taken without consent of owner, goods in personal custody suspected being stolen, class A motor vehicle exceed speed more than 45km/h – estimated and destroy or damage property.

Police will allege in court the driver travelled at speeds up to 160km/h in a marked 90km/h zone during the pursuit. 

The four 17-year-old boys were each charged with be carried in conveyance taken without consent of owner and possess means of disguising face with intent commit indictable offence.

The 15-year-old boy was charged with be carried in conveyance taken without consent of owner.

All six teenagers were refused bail to appear before a children’s court today (Sunday 23 June 2024).

Novocastrians will be invited to have their say on a proposal to add to City of Newcastle’s cycling network along Chinchen and Hubbard streets in Islington.

The 665-metre stretch will connect existing cycling infrastructure on the Scholey Street rail bridge and Islington Park on Maitland Road and is proposed to utilise both on-road separated cycleway and off-road shared pathway.

The project is being delivered by City of Newcastle, utilising $950,000 from the NSW Government through Transport for NSW’s Get NSW Active program.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes with Islington Public School Principal Megan Hamilton and students Jamie and Gabriel Irvine.Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the cycleway would enhance the continuity of safe cycling connections along a key regional route, improving safety and accessibility for students travelling to Islington Public School and Tighes Hill TAFE.

“This project is part of our ongoing investment to deliver safe, connected and convenient cycleways across the city,” Cr Nelmes said.

“We’ve spoken to local parents and Islington Public School students who walk, cycle, scoot, and skate their way to and from school and are strong advocates for active transport.

“We also want to hear from residents, TAFE students, commuters, and anyone who has an interest in cycling to learn how they’re using existing cycleways through Islington.” 

NSW Minister for Transport Jo Haylen said this investment is part of giving Newcastle residents more ways to travel.

“Delivering new ways to travel on a bike, or on foot gives people another way to travel safely around Newcastle,” Minister Haylen said.

“For every person that chooses to ride a bike to the shops, work or school, that’s one less car on our roads competing for limited parking. That means investments such as these are a win-win.”

Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen said City of Newcastle is committed to encouraging the uptake of active transport.

“The best outcomes are generated when we work closely with the community and by prioritising investment in cycleways, we hope to see cycling playing a larger role in Newcastle’s transport mix,” Cr Clausen said.

“Projects such as this enhance the continuity of safe and direct cycling connections for users of varying confidence and ability.”

State Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp said this investment was the NSW Government fulfilling yet another election commitment for Newcastle, to make Islington a safe place for cyclists.

“This is a high traffic area, with many students from Islington Public School and Newcastle TAFE riding far too close to cars and trucks,” Mr Crakanthorp said.

“This cycleway will not only protect students getting to and from school, but also encourage more to get on their bikes or go for a walk.”

The Islington project will form an important link in City of Newcastle’s ‘On Our Bikes’ Cycling Plan, which proposes the creation of cycling connections from the western suburbs of Minmi and Wallsend all the way through to the inner city.

The new cycleway will complement City of Newcastle’s $800,000 upgrade of the intersection of Chinchen and Clyde streets completed last year, featuring new traffic signals for improved pedestrian, cyclist and road user safety.

Community feedback will be used as part of the detailed design stage, with the project included as part of City of Newcastle’s 2024-25 capital works program.

Submissions open on Monday 24 June and close at 5pm on Thursday 25 July.

To view the preliminary concept designs and complete the online survey visit newcastle.nsw.gov.au/yoursay 

The Albanese and Minns governments continue to partner with local governments across New South Wales to get high-priority road and community infrastructure off the ground.
As part of this, the Brunners Bridge located on Gresford Road over the Glendon Brook, en route to the Hunter Regional Livestock Exchange (HRLX), will be replaced to boost road safety and connectivity.
Supported by $700,000 from the Albanese Government’s Bridges Renewal Program and $6.5 million from the Restart NSW Fixing Country Roads Program, the project will include full demolition of the existing bridge and construction of a new structure.
Singleton Council awarded the $5.34 million tender for the construction of the new Brunners Bridge to Saunders Civilbuild at Tuesday night’s (18 June) ordinary meeting.
Works are due to begin in August 2024, and are estimated to be completed by late 2025 (weather dependent) – with a detour in place for all vehicles throughout the construction period.
For more information and for construction updates, visit: https://www.singleton.nsw.gov.au/brunnersbridge.
From July 1 2024, the Bridges Renewal Program will be merged into the new Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program – with $200 million per year to be available to support councils improve the safety of their local road networks.

Minister for Regional Development and Local Government, the Hon Kristy McBain MP:
“More people are moving to our regions and this is putting more pressure on the roads we use every day, which is why we’re partnering with local councils to help ensure that their local road networks are fit-for-purpose, long into the future.
“Brunners Bridge is a critical access point, and is essential to the efficient delivery of products and services in the Singleton region, which is why we’re supporting its replacement and making this local road network safer.”

Federal Member for Hunter, Dan Repacholi MP:
“This much needed new bridge will help strengthen our supply chain and keep the Hunter moving forward.
“Roads and bridges that support heavier loads, considerably cut down travel time and means large trucks spend less time on our roads.
“For every extra 100 kilometres travelled by a truck, costs can rise by more than $300, so building this vital new infrastructure will reduce the amount of time on the road and will ultimately help reduce costs for families and make our roads a lot safer.”

NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, the Hon Jenny Aitchison MP:
“It is fantastic to see all levels of government working together to make a project like the Brunners Bridge replacement possible. “Gresford Road is an essential route for residents and the agricultural suppliers of the region. This bridge replacement will allow larger trucks that can carry more freight per trip to safely cross the bridge. “Replacing the bridge and facilitating access for more efficient trucks will also have a positive impact in lowering heavy vehicle traffic volumes in the region.”

Mayor of Singleton, Cr Sue Moore:
“The replacement of the 80-year-old bridge has been a key item on Council’s Infrastructure Advocacy Agenda for several years, and would support both local and regional economic development outcomes.
“Brunners Bridge is located on a freight route between Singleton, Elderslie and Gresford and we are extremely grateful to the NSW Government for their support to enable this integral infrastructure renewal project for Singleton.
“Gresford Road is an important economic link for the region and this project further supports heavy vehicle infrastructure to accommodate new and existing agribusiness opportunities in our area, bolstering economic productivity by reducing the cost of getting goods to market.”

Council’s Acting Director Infrastructure and Planning Services, Aaron Malloy:
“The new Brunners Bridge will provide safer access for freight movements to access the Singleton township as well as see the removal of load and speed restrictions for heavy vehicles.
“The current bridge has a load limit of 42 tonnes and can only accommodate one heavy vehicle at a time, whereas the new bridge will accommodate 68.5 tonnes, increasing operational efficiencies and improving accessibility for cattle delivery to HRLX.
“And it’s not just heavy vehicles that will benefit – works will also see an improved road surface and wider lanes, ultimately improving safety for all vehicles.”

City of Newcastle will support local communities, jobs, businesses and the economy as part of a record Budget designed to deliver everyday benefits alongside major infrastructure projects. 

Councillors will vote on the 2024/25 Budget and Delivery Program next week, which will see over $415 million invested across 60 services and more than 280 projects during the next financial year. 

This includes a record infrastructure program of almost $140 million, which is forecast to support 735 local jobs and increase Newcastle’s economic output by up to $305 million. 

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said City of Newcastle is committed to delivering the community’s vision of Newcastle as a liveable, sustainable, inclusive global city. 

“From city-shaping projects that will create a legacy for future generations, to essential services that make an everyday difference in the lives of Novocastrians, this Budget will set a new benchmark for our investment in the Newcastle community,” Cr Nelmes said. 

“We’re investing in the things that matter to our residents and delivering a record infrastructure program that will cater for the needs of our growing community while stimulating Newcastle’s economy and supporting new jobs. 

“Our infrastructure projects will make an everyday difference in people’s lives, with $38.1 million for upgrades to local roads, bridges, footpaths and community buildings, $7.7 million on stormwater upgrades to address flooding to property and businesses and $6 million for improving Newcastle’s cycleway network and transport options. 

“We’re also giving back through programs such as our Community Grants, which for the fourth consecutive year will provide more than half a million dollars to support initiatives that deliver positive outcomes for vulnerable members of our community and contribute to the social, cultural, environmental and economic life of the city.” 

CEO Jeremy Bath said City of Newcastle continues to work hard to balance the needs and expectations of our growing community with our commitment to making sure we are financially sustainable. 

“City of Newcastle is forecasting an operating surplus of $4.1 million in 2024-2025, which is an indicator of the underlying financial strength of our organisation,” Mr Bath said.  

“This is despite ongoing increases in inflation and construction costs, and our position as the only council in NSW to pay the NSW Government more in taxes and levies than we receive in grants. 

“We also recognise that many people and small businesses in our community are facing an extremely challenging time as they experience cost of living pressures. 

“That is why City of Newcastle is offering support to residents and business owners experiencing financial hardship. 

“During the past three years, we have assisted around 2,200 ratepayers to enter into payment arrangements, while an additional 141 people were supported through our rates voucher scheme. 

“We encourage home owners experiencing difficulties to contact City of Newcastle to discuss a payment plan before the next rates instalment. Doing this means interest will be waived on their outstanding balance.”

Novocastrians are being given their first look at the concept designs for a key link in the city’s iconic coastal walkway. 

The vision reveals a hallmark wide shared pathway snaking its way through the heritage-listed King Edward Park, transforming a section of the Bathers Ways between the Terrace car park near Shepherd’s Hill Cottage and South Newcastle Beach. 

A render for the concept design on Bathers Way King Edward Park, which is now open for community consultation.

The project will create more accessible connections between King Edward Park’s key features and enhance opportunities to appreciate the city’s spectacular coastal scenery with more comfortable viewing areas. 

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said Bathers Way is a jewel among the city’s coastal assets. 

“I’m proud to have conceived and initiated the Bathers Way project many years ago as the flagship of our coastal revitalisation program,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Delivering an upgraded shared pathway that links our city’s spectacular beaches with some of Newcastle’s most popular coastal destinations has transformed the way we enjoy our iconic coastline.”

Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen encouraged the community to have their say on this key project.

“King Edward Park holds enormous significance to Newcastle with its sweeping ocean views, open lawn area, peaceful gardens, and importance to Newcastle’s traditional custodians,” Cr Clausen said.

“Delivering a continuous, inclusive path that makes use of the amazing views and respects the site’s heritage is a priority for City of Newcastle. 

“Feedback from the community is an important aspect of this process and I encourage everyone to have their say during the public exhibition period to help inform the detailed design of one of the last remaining sections of Bathers Way.” 

A render for the concept design on Bathers Way King Edward Park, which is now open for community consultation.

The project will include renewal of King Edward Park’s amenities and will seek to improve the connection between the lawn around the iconic Victorian rotunda, and the popular Garside Gardens, which are known for their colourful flower displays each Spring. 

More comfortable viewing areas with shade and seating will enhance the overall visitor experience, with lookout platforms offering sweeping views off the coast, while an upgraded entry will create a more fitting welcome to this significant site. 

The Bathers Way is a continuous path that links the city’s iconic beaches of Merewether, Dixon Park, Bar Beach, Newcastle and Nobbys and forms part of the larger Great North Walk, which stretches from Queens Wharf by Newcastle Harbour to Circular Quay in Sydney. 

The shared pathway is designed to accommodate all members of the community, with a width of between four and six metres depending on the location and no steps along its 6kilometre-long route. 

Community members can learn more about the Bathers Way King Edward Park 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 including the final stage of the Newcastle Ocean Baths upgrade.   

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

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.