Bogey Hole will be all good for Spring and Summer

BY JESSICA ROUSE and SARAH BARONOWSKI

Stabilisation works at the iconic Bogey Hole could be all wrapped up just in time for summer with another round of funds from the state government.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Scot MacDonald has announced $240,000 for cliff stabilisation works which will start in September.

This last stage of stablisation works will make the completion of the $490,000 project to improve public safety and access to the site. The work over the next month will focus on the East End entrance.

"Focusing on the eastern end access road putting in some retaining walls and improving fencing and drainage - it's the last part of the major works  they will begin in September and work will take about four weeks," said Scot MacDonald.

He was out in the blowy conditions this morning to make the announcement and says the work won't impact the public's access to the swimming hole.

"The swimming hole will stay open during that time so when the whether warms up again - it's very blowy and very windy now though - but it'll remain open since its a popular swimming hole so it should be good for Spring and Summer."

Image supplied.

Newcastle's iconic Bogey Hole open in time for Christmas

BY JARROD MELMETH

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."

Tim Crakanthorp

Scot Macdonald

Newcastle's Bogey Hole.
Courtesy of Tripadvisor.