Mayor Defends Beach Bowl Design

BY JARROD MELMETH

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes has defended the design of an $11 million upgrade to South Newcastle Beach skate park following a notice of motion at Tuesday night's council meeting.

Cr John Church with the support of other Newcastle Independent Councillors put forward the notice urging council to reconsider the design citing issues with its impact on the coastline.

Cr Church said concerns have been raised with him around the skate bowl element of the design as it is planned to protrude 18-metres towards the ocean from the existing seawall.

"This is a very exposed environment. We have had a number of storm events through the years going right back to the Sygna in 1974 and more recently the Pascha Bulker storm.

"We know this is a very exposed site. We know that this skate bowl will fill with sand and debris, and we know it will cost a lot of money to maintain," Cr Church said.

Plans for the upgrades were unveiled in June when the State Government contributed $5million to the project which plans to reconstruct and transform South Newcastle Beach.

Mayor Nelmes said engineers have signed off on the project.

"They have looked at the 1 in 1000 year storm event and have signed off on the engineering that will allow this facility to function as a skate bowl that is part of a promenade.

"I'm happy to have a look at and review the reports that have been done around the engineering, however, the project has already changed significantly from the idea that was first mooted about 18-months ago to actually take into consideration all of the concerns that had been raised by a very small group of people around the beach," Mayor Nelmes said.

The notice of motion was supported, committing to a review and finalisation of the coastal engineering report to ensure the proposed skate bowl does not negatively impact on the beach and coastline, and to engage in broader community consultation on the project.

Artist impression of the new South Newcastle Beach precinct.

Wickham in for Growing Pains

BY MATT JOHNSTON

Newcastle Independents candidate for Ward 1, John Church, says Wickham's got a bustling future ahead of it. There are currently 18 projects which are underway or in the pipeline for the suburb, and the potential influx of new residents has existing ones worried.

“I have been consulting with local residents who want to see progress but who are genuinely concerned about parking, increased traffic in already narrow streets and the lack of public space," said Mr Church.

Mr Church says the Wickham Master Plan, which was launched earlier this year, needs serious funding and commitment to help the suburb effectively manage the growing pains. "The master plan creates a pathway forward but needs funding."

"We believe enacting the Wickham Master Plan, by spending DA Section 94 contributions, is an effective way to get the Mast Plan underway. Otherwise, we'll get left behind."

The funding, Mr Church says, doesn't have to be re-spent in Wickham under existing arrangements. But he believes "Wickham is a special case" which needs careful management to prevent overcrowding and over-use of services.

Newcastle Ward 1 Candidate John Church

Calls for floating pontoon at Carrington Boat Ramp

BY JARROD MELMETH

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. 

The floating pontoon at Croudace Bay. Source: Newcastle Star

Ward 1 Candidate, John Church.