City of Newcastle Begins Safety Upgrades Along Shortland Esplanade

The City of Newcastle has commenced safety improvements along Shortland Esplanade, focusing on stabilising the embankment above two key areas near Nobbys Beach and the Cowrie Hole. The project, detailed in a recent Facebook post by the City, involves a two-stage process aimed at enhancing public safety and reducing the risk of landslips in the area.

The first stage, currently in progress near Nobbys Surf Life Saving Club, involves ‘soil nailing,’ a technique where steel bars are drilled horizontally into the embankment to reinforce and strengthen it. This method was chosen for its minimal environmental impact compared to other options. Following the completion of soil nailing, retaining walls will be installed to further stabilise the embankment, and the area will be remediated with coastal vegetation.

The project is expected to temporarily affect traffic flow and reduce the availability of parking spaces along Shortland Esplanade. Construction will take place between 8 am and 6 pm on weekdays, with traffic management and signage in place to guide motorists and pedestrians. Increased truck movements are anticipated during the construction period.

The City has confirmed that while work is already underway at the northern site near Nobbys Beach, the southern site opposite the Cowrie Hole is scheduled to begin in early August, pending weather conditions.

These upgrades are part of a broader effort to improve stability in the area by reinforcing the embankment, constructing concrete piled retaining walls, and implementing improved stormwater controls to mitigate the risk of future landslips.