Ward 1 Candidate for the Newcastle Independents, John Church, is calling on Newcastle City Council to start work on installing a floating pontoon at the Carrington Boat Ramp.
Currently, the boat ramp is in good condition with a small sandy beach, but Mr Church believes it could be improved with a small floating pontoon.
"This would give local residents and boat owners much safer access to the harbour, particularly for passengers and their equipment.
"A good example of this is the new boat ramp that has been installed at Croudace Bay by Lake Macquarie City Council. It features a wharf which floats on some piers as the tide rises and falls but, it does provide easy access for people with boats and for loading passengers and equipment. The project is fairly low-cost and low maintenance," Mr Church said.
Mr Church also used the call as an opportunity to take aim at Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes, over recent expense claims where it was alleged Ms Nelmes racked up a council credit bill of more than $30,000.
"We were all disappointed earlier this year to find out about the Lord Mayors expensive lunches, coffees, probiotic waters, overseas trips and assistance with babysitting.
"She even has a history of producing gold foil business cards, which we think is over the top and beyond what community expectations are.
"In my view, this kind of project is a better use of council dollars," Mr Church said.
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| The floating pontoon at Croudace Bay. Source: Newcastle Star |
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| Ward 1 Candidate, John Church. |
