South Newcastle Cliff Line Rock Column Remediation
A section of the cliff line at South Newcastle Beach became unstable following recent severe weather events. This area has a long history of cliff instability and is known as 'Yirannali' by the local Awabakal community, meaning 'place of falling rocks'.
We’re pleased to welcome you back to the upper promenade at South Newcastle Beach, which has now reopened following the successful removal of a large portion of unstable rock adjacent to the promenade.
To ensure the safety of our community and stability of the area, we worked closely with the University of Newcastle’s Centre for Geotechnical Science and Engineering (CGSE) and contractors, to complete this important stabilisation work.
While maintenance of the nearby seawall is ongoing, access to King Edward Park is available via the lower promenade on weekends only.
You may recall we previously advised that further maintenance works on the cliff face were planned. However, following detailed investigations in collaboration with geotechnical experts, it has been confirmed that no additional work is required at this time. The full report outlining these findings can be found here.
Instead, we will continue to closely monitor the area - particularly during periods of heavy rainfall - as part of our ongoing monitoring program with the University of Newcastle’s CGSE. This collaboration ensures we are guided by the most accurate data and expert insights available.
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FAQs
What is the problem?
A section of the cliff line became unstable following recent severe weather events. Intense and prolonged rainfall saturated and weakened the underlying soft sedimentary layer, primarily coal, which is highly susceptible to erosion. This rock type also acts as an aquifer, which contributes to the sedimentary layer losing its bearing capacity. As erosion has progressed around the base of the rock column, the overlying layers of stronger sandstone were left unsupported, causing a rock column to become displaced and rock to fall.
Has City of Newcastle been maintaining this area?
Yes, we have been managing the Newcastle South cliff line for several years.
Our most recent investment in 2023-24 renewed and increased the height of the full length of the rock catch fence from the southern extent of the cliff line to the rear of the skate park amenities building.
In 2024, we also remediated the face of the southern cliff line, with specialists scaling the cliff face to remove loose rocks before installing drainage, shotcrete and additional rock anchors as well as soft fall to reduce rocks bouncing into the rock catch fence.
How is the area monitored?
We have been working with the University of Newcastle's Centre for Geotechnical Science and Engineering (CGSE) to undertake cliff line stability monitoring.
In this instance, the monitoring program identified a rock column that had moved away from the cliff face due to recent severe wet weather, which prompted our closure of the area for safety.
While we’ve taking proactive steps to reduce risk, this type of movement is natural in cliffs of this age. Unlike the situation in 2002 when we saw the “rock” fall from the cliff face onto what was a Shortland Esplanade roadway, today we utilise advanced monitoring and modelling systems to act as an early warning system for any safety issues, so we can proactively respond.
When will remediation occur?
Work to address public safety has now been completed, including the removal of a portion of the top of the column to help stabilise it.
Following this, a further assessment was carried out in collaboration with geotechnical experts. It has been determined that no additional works are required at this time.
Instead, the area will continue to be closely monitored as part of our ongoing monitoring program with the University of Newcastle’s Centre for Geotechnical Science and Engineering (CGSE), particularly during periods of heavy rainfall.
South Newcastle cliff line, image supplied by The University of Newcastle, CGSE
