“Newcastle deserves better than a rushed consultation that will lock in decisions for the next century.”

That’s the sentiment of Cooks Hill Surf Life Saving Club (CHSLSC) president Michael Clancy after City of Newcastle (CN) opted to seek community feedback, and ideas, on how to save Bar Beach and Merewether from damaging erosion.

Recent investigations show the area between the two iconic seaside locations is at the most immediate risk from climate change-driven threats.

As a result, CN indicated it was developing a long-term Coastal Management Program (CMP) for the region between Nobbys Headland and Glenrock Lagoon, collectively known as the Southern Beaches.

Residents are being asked to have their say on strategies such as beach nourishment, protection structures and a managed retreat, or a combination of these elements, which all come with different benefits and dangers.

Submissions for the public consultation period close on Monday 24 November.

But, Mr Clancy expressed his opposition to the “hurried” process, which could decide the future of Bar Beach, Memorial Drive and his own organisation.

It’s understood one of council’s options is the relocation of the CHSLSC.

“These decisions will affect not only locals but the entire Greater Newcastle community, creating widespread disruptions to traffic flow, beach access and coastal amenity,” he said.

“This isn’t just about a building.

“It’s about the heart of Newcastle’s community – a club that for more than 110 years has kept Bar Beach safe and helped develop Newcastle by nurturing not just lifesavers, but citizens who serve and strengthen their community.

“Cooks Hill SLSC is where the community comes together.

“From nippers to disabled access programs, from patrols that protect locals and tourists to initiatives that welcome those new to our shores, this club is the living centre of community life.

“To reduce the future of our coastline and our organisation to an eight-week pop-up consultation – beginning with a meeting at the Wetlands Centre, away from the coast – is simply unacceptable.”

Mr Clancy’s key concerns include:

• Loss of Cooks Hill SLSC: Without certainty, the community risks losing a hub that provides lifesaving patrols, youth training, surf sports and a gathering space for thousands each year
• Traffic and connectivity: Memorial Drive is not just a local road—it is a vital transport corridor. Its closure or reduction to one lane and diversion via Bar Beach Avenue and Kilgour Avenue will impact residents, daily commuters, visitors and emergency access across Newcastle
• Community access: Decisions will reshape how families, surfers and visitors access Bar Beach and surrounding areas
• Insufficient consultation: A decision affecting the next 100+ years of Newcastle’s coastline cannot be rushed through in just eight weeks
• Flawed engagement process: The online feedback survey has been confusing and unclear, making it difficult for community members to provide meaningful input. Furthermore, public diagrams initially released did not accurately show the existing seawall and were later changed without explanation—undermining public trust in the process
• Disingenuous community consultation: Only five public “pop-up” sessions have been scheduled, with just two at the beaches directly impacted. This raises serious concerns about whether genuine engagement with the affected community is being sought for a decision that will shape the Greater Newcastle coastline for the next century

“I, on behalf of the CHSLSC, am urging residents, surfers and all who love Bar Beach to make their voices heard,” Mr Clancy said.

“Ensure you attend upcoming council engagement sessions; sign petitions supporting the protection of Cooks Hill SLSC; and contact local councillors and MPs to demand a fairer, longer and more transparent process.

“The community deserves the time and respect to properly engage in the future of our coastline, our club, and our city.”

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