Corrosion stains have appeared on the South Newcastle sea wall only two years after the completion of the multi-million dollar project.
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Stains can be seen along the length of the 200 metre wall but most noticeably towards the south Newcastle beach end.
Work to repair and rebuild the sea wall’s foundations began in February 2016 and took more than 12 months to complete.
Construction company Michilis Pty Ltd undertook the $6.7 million project, which was described as logistically difficult and required critical works to be done at night during low tide.
The seawall remediation project was the first stage of the South Newcastle Beach masterplan, which was endorsed by the council in late 2014.
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A Newcastle City Council spokesman said the corrosion did not affect to the wall’s stability.
“The city of Newcastle is aware of some discolouration appearing on the outer concrete surface of the south Newcastle beach sea wall,” he said.
“A contributing factor to the stained colouring is some minor corrosion of the various steel elements embedded within the concrete surface.”
“There are no safety concerns associated with this. The city will continue to monitor the seawall as required.”
The South Newcastle section of Bathers Way has been a hit with runners, cyclists and tourists since it reopened in late 2017.
The picturesque walkway has also been credited with helping revitalise the section of Newcastle’s coastline that languished since a 20-tonne boulder fell from the cliff on to the road in October 2002.
Meanwhile, the council is also addressing corrosion problems and railings at metal fixtures at the Newcastle ocean baths.
“The City of Newcastle has also planned to undertake repairs to a damaged section of aluminium hand rail at Newcastle Baths as soon as possible,” a council spokesman said.
“Council will also assess and review the condition of the steel fittings at Newcastle Baths and plan for any rectification work necessary.”
Council has invested around $27million in coastal revitalisation projects in recent years including the Bathers Way project.
Additional investment has also been provided to support the delivery of the regionally significant tourisms and recreational project.
Matthew Kelly
Matthew Kelly has worked as a journalist for more than 25 years. He has been working as a general reporter at the Newcastle Herald since 2018. In recent years he has reported on subjects including environment, energy, water security, manufacturing and higher education. He has previously covered issues including the health and environmental impacts of uncovered coal wagons in the Hunter Valley, the pollution of legacy of former industrial sites and freedom of information issues.
Matthew Kelly has worked as a journalist for more than 25 years. He has been working as a general reporter at the Newcastle Herald since 2018. In recent years he has reported on subjects including environment, energy, water security, manufacturing and higher education. He has previously covered issues including the health and environmental impacts of uncovered coal wagons in the Hunter Valley, the pollution of legacy of former industrial sites and freedom of information issues.
