City of Newcastle invests in future of coastal precinct
City of Newcastle will begin work next week to ensure the safety and longevity of one of its most popular coastal precincts.
The effect of time and tides have taken a toll on the infrastructure that protects sections of the Bathers Way between Dixon Park and South Newcastle beaches.
City of Newcastle will undertake two projects along the coastal stretch, which will stabilise a section of cliff face north of the Dixon Park Surf Lifesaving Club and help maintain the condition of the concrete seawall south of our recent upgrade at South Newcastle Beach.
City of Newcastle's Executive Director of Planning and Environment Michelle Bisson said the projects would provide an immediate fix while longer-term solutions are assessed as part of the development of the Southern Beaches Coastal Management Program (CMP).
"We live in a challenging coastal environment where significant weather events, combined with long-term sea level rise, constantly take a toll on both the natural and built infrastructure," Ms Bisson said.
"In the immediate term, this important work will improve resilience to coastal erosion and enhance safety on Bathers Way for beach users in this much-loved location.
"We are also looking to the future to develop a holistic strategy for this hugely important stretch of our coastline.
"This includes the ongoing development of our Southern Beaches Coastal Management Program, where we are working with coastal experts to better understand the impacts over the short and long term, and what that means for the future use of these beaches and assets located along the coast."
Work will begin on Monday to address the effects of coastal erosion on a 60-metre section of cliff line north of the Dixon Park Surf Life Saving Club.
A temporary rock bag structure will be constructed at the base of the cliff to stabilise the area until longer term actions are defined as part of the Southern Beaches CMP.
The lower car park at Dixon Park Beach and the section of Bathers Way within the work zone will be closed with diversions in place during the project, which is expected to take around four weeks to complete.
Separately on Monday, essential maintenance will also begin on the 147-metre-long seawall located between King Edward Park and the recently completed upgrade of Bathers Way at South Newcastle Beach.
This will include the application of a protective coating to extend the life of the seawall, which provides coastal protection for the Bathers Way and other infrastructure along the South Newcastle foreshore.
The project is expected to take up to two months. Bathers Way will be closed to pedestrian and cyclist traffic between King Edward Park and the upgraded section of Bathers Way at South Newcastle on weekdays, however it will be reopened on weekends.
City of Newcastle's Executive Director of City Infrastructure Clint Thomson said works were planned to minimise disruption to the community as much as possible.
"We know how important Bathers Way is to our community, providing opportunities for recreation and access to our spectacular coastline," Mr Thomson said.
"This work is essential for the long-term use and enjoyment of this coastal stretch. It has been scheduled outside of the busy summer period to minimise the impact to our community as much as possible during the temporary closures of Bathers Way.
"We thank the community for their patience while we complete this important work."
