City of Newcastle Initiates $1.7 Million Bar Beach Upgrades Next Month

24 July 2024

The City of Newcastle has announced a significant investment of over $1.7 million for upgrades at Bar Beach, with work set to commence next month. The project includes the construction of a new walkway and staircase extending from the main promenade across the front of Cooks Hill Surf Lifesaving Club to the sand.

This initiative follows substantial damage caused by a storm surge in April 2022, which affected both the beach and the surf lifesaving club building. The City of Newcastle’s councillors have approved a tender for the next phase of the ongoing remediation program, which will improve access from the amenities area to the southern part of the beach. This area is patrolled by City of Newcastle lifeguards daily.

In addition to the new pedestrian access, the project will also involve reinstating and upgrading a vehicle access ramp from Memorial Drive to the beach, facilitating access to and from the Surf Club’s garaging. A wave deflector wall will be constructed to protect the new infrastructure from potential storm surges.

Since 2022, the City of Newcastle has undertaken various repair works at Bar Beach, including the reinstatement of staircases, re-installation of a beach access wheelchair ramp, and the installation of balustrade-style fencing to enhance safety due to the drop in sand levels caused by the storm.

The upcoming stage of the project is scheduled for completion before the peak summer season, minimising disruption for beachgoers and the Cooks Hill Surf Lifesaving Club’s Nippers program. Clint Thomson, Executive Director of City Infrastructure, emphasised the importance of enhancing accessibility and restoring the beach’s infrastructure.

“The remediation work completed so far has significantly restored the area, with this next stage set to further improve pedestrian and vehicular access at this popular coastal precinct,” said Mr Thomson.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes highlighted the project as part of the broader Coastal Revitalisation Program, which includes ongoing investments in beach access points and major infrastructure projects such as upgrades to the Merewether Ocean Baths, refurbishment of Nobbys Surf Pavilion, and the revitalisation of Newcastle Ocean Baths.

“We know just how much our community and visitors value easy access to our beautiful coastline,” Mayor Nelmes said. “This is why we continue to invest in improving access points at our beaches, as well as delivering major infrastructure projects.”

Michael Clancy, President of Cooks Hill Surf Life Saving Club, welcomed the upcoming works, noting their importance for safe beach access and shoreline protection.

“The construction of the wave wall, pedestrian path, and associated public access points to the beach are welcomed by Cooks Hill SLSC members and the wider community we serve. Safe access to the beach is paramount for everyone, and this work will provide a secure and accessible environment for beachgoers,” Mr Clancy stated.

Following the 2022 storm, the City of Newcastle undertook emergency works to maintain the usability of the clubhouse and facilities, reinstate staircase and vehicle access, and implement safety measures, including barriers and new fencing.

The City of Newcastle has received $1 million in funding from the Australian and NSW governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements to support the remediation of Bar Beach. This funding, combined with the City’s investment, will facilitate the delivery of the current stage of works. The City continues to collaborate with coastal experts to develop a Coastal Management Program extending from Nobbys to Burwood beaches.