Newcastle’s Coastal Precinct Set for Essential Upgrades

newy.com.au – Newcastle’s beloved coastal precinct is set for a significant boost, with City of Newcastle commencing vital works next week to ensure the safety and longevity of infrastructure along Bathers Way.

Years of exposure to the elements have impacted key areas between Dixon Park and South Newcastle beaches, prompting two major projects to reinforce the coastline. These works will focus on stabilising a cliff face north of Dixon Park Surf Life Saving Club and maintaining the concrete seawall south of the recently upgraded South Newcastle Beach.

City of Newcastle’s Executive Director of Planning and Environment, Michelle Bisson, highlighted the immediate need for these projects while emphasising the long-term approach being developed under the Southern Beaches Coastal Management Program (CMP).

“We live in a challenging coastal environment where extreme weather and rising sea levels continually affect both natural and built infrastructure,” Ms Bisson said. “This work will strengthen resilience against coastal erosion and improve safety along Bathers Way in the short term, while we continue developing a broader strategy for this vital section of coastline.”

Works will commence on Monday, targeting a 60-metre section of cliff face north of Dixon Park Surf Life Saving Club. A temporary rock bag structure will be installed to stabilise the area until long-term solutions are determined through the Southern Beaches CMP. During this period, the lower car park at Dixon Park Beach and affected sections of Bathers Way will be closed, with diversions in place. The project is expected to take approximately four weeks.

Simultaneously, essential maintenance will begin on the 147-metre-long seawall between King Edward Park and South Newcastle Beach. This will involve applying a protective coating to extend the lifespan of the seawall, which plays a crucial role in shielding Bathers Way and surrounding infrastructure. These works are expected to take up to two months.

City of Newcastle’s Executive Director of City Infrastructure, Clint Thomson, reassured the community that the timing of these projects had been carefully planned to reduce disruption.

“We understand how valued Bathers Way is to locals and visitors alike, providing access to our spectacular coastline,” Mr Thomson said. “To minimise inconvenience, works have been scheduled outside the peak summer season, and Bathers Way will remain open on weekends where possible.”

With these upgrades, City of Newcastle is taking proactive steps to preserve and future-proof one of the region’s most popular coastal walkways, ensuring it remains a safe and enjoyable space for years to come.