Newcastle's iconic Bogey Hole has been officially reopened at a ceremony today after being closed for over a year for construction works.
The heritage listed site was closed last year due to fears of cliff instability posing a threat to swimmers.
The works which have been completed cost $490,000 and is the first stage to be completed, with more work expected to be undertaken during the 2017 low season on the eastern retaining wall and access road.
Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Scot MacDonald said the safety assessment and geotechnical work has been a lengthy but a worthy process.
“Stage 1 works have focused on stabilising the overhanging cliffs and mitigating rock falls with the installation of rock-catch fencing above the viewing platform. Other safety measures include new fencing to prevent access to dangerous sections of the site and additional work on the stanchions and chains, stairs and ladders.
"This is obviously a popular spot for beachgoers and the people of Newcastle," Mr MacDonald said.
The length of time taken to complete construction has been a point of contention between local and state MP's with Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp putting pressure on the Baird Government over the length of the closure.
"I've been happy to champion this issue with nearly 6000 people signing a petition to have the Bogey Hole reopened.
"It's taken too long but it has been a real victory for people power," Mr Crakanthorp said.
Mr MacDonald rejected these claims saying the reopening had nothing to do with local MP's as it is a state issue.
"Tim would claim credit for anything, he's probably looking for credit for the sun coming up this morning.
"These are safety issues and they should remain out of the political domain.
"I'm not an expert, Tim is not an expert, we rely on the experts, the engineers to make those risk assessments, it should never be a political campaign to decide whether something is open or not," he said.
Although works have been undertaken to improve the safety of the area, swimmers are still advised to stay safe.
Mr MacDonald said the government would not let people back in unless they were satisfied that the area was safe.
"Just take care around those coastal environments, they are natural environments so they are not perfectly formed pools."
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| Tim Crakanthorp |
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| Scot Macdonald |
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| Newcastle's Bogey Hole. Courtesy of Tripadvisor. |
