Community invited to have their say on Newcastle Harbour Foreshore

The community is invited to play a part in the revitalisation of the Newcastle Harbour Foreshore, which envelops Foreshore Park and the Joy Cummings Promenade in Newcastle’s iconic East End.

City of Newcastle today commenced community engagement on the Harbour Foreshore Masterplan, which will help shape the blueprint to reinvigorate this important community hub with an inclusive playspace and improved recreation opportunities between Merewether Street, Newcastle and Foreshore Park.

In addition to having their say through online information sessions and workshops, surveys and an online mapping tool, Novocastrians are encouraged to submit an application to join the Community Reference Group (CRG). The role of this group is to provide input on the project and achieve a shared, community-owned vision that respects the foreshore’s history and paves its future.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said Expressions of Interest (EOIs) in the CRG were now open, marking a significant milestone.

“The Community Reference Group will play an important, collaborative role in shaping and informing community outcomes, offering valuable insights into how this space might be used,” the Lord Mayor said.

“Together we can transform the Harbour Foreshore into an even more liveable and accessible recreational space to enjoy all that our picturesque coastline has to offer, which is paramount as our City grows.”

The CRG will consist of community members and stakeholders, including, but not limited to:

• Residents;
• Families;
• Students;
• Businesses;
• Government bodies;
• Indigenous groups; and
• Accessibility advisories.

In conjunction with the Harbour Foreshore Masterplan, the City is working on the design of a ‘Variety Livvi’s Place’ inclusive playspace, for which Variety – The Children’s Charity has provided grant funding and will play a key part in its delivery.

“At Variety we believe that all kids deserve a fair go, including the ability to play,” Variety – the Children’s Charity NSW/ACT Inclusive Play Manager, Kim Becherand, said.

“Variety is proud to work alongside the City of Newcastle to create a truly inclusive playspace in the heart of Newcastle that will engage all children, parents, grandparents and friends in play. Variety Livvi’s Place playspaces are a key element of our broader mission to make sure no child misses out on what they need to join in and attain their full potential.”

Expressions of Interest in the Community Reference Group can be submitted via the City of Newcastle website. Submissions close on 26 June 2020.