Technical Advice Forces Newcastle Council's Hand on Ocean Baths
The City of Newcastle faces a critical decision regarding the Newcastle Ocean Baths redevelopment, with technical advice clearly stating that open-air dressing rooms would not be viable under modern design requirements. This professional guidance places councillors in a legally binding position, similar to past situations where ignoring expert advice could have resulted in serious consequences.
Legal Precedent Sets Clear Expectations
Former councillor Barney Langford from Whitebridge draws parallels to the Laman Street figs situation fifteen years ago, where council received advice that the trees posed unacceptable public risk. Councillors who would have ignored that advice could have been held legally responsible if injuries occurred. Langford emphasizes that councillors cannot unhear professional advice once received, regardless of community sentiment.
The council spokesperson explicitly stated that technical advice made it clear that a facility without a roof would not be viable under modern design requirements. This creates a fiduciary duty for councillors to adhere to this professional guidance, despite the Friends of Newcastle Ocean Baths group advocating for maintaining the open-air character.
Broader Community Perspectives Emerge
Meanwhile, other Newcastle residents have voiced opinions on various matters in recent correspondence. Carl Stevenson's criticism of the current federal government prompted Jan Phillip Trevillian from Fennell Bay to highlight several Labor achievements including wage increases for aged care workers, HECS debt reductions, and the restoration of $20 billion in trade with China.
Suellen Hall from Wallsend shared an emotional account of attending the Oasis reunion concerts in Sydney, describing how the band brought joy to thousands of fans who travelled from around the world. The celebration saw 140,000-plus fans over two nights singing along to classic anthems.
On environmental policy, John Matthews from Belmont North suggested the Liberal Party's abandonment of net zero targets relates to donations from coal and gas corporations, while Brian Measday from Kingswood warned about regions becoming uninhabitable due to climate change.
Darryl Tuckwell from Eleebana proposed that the NRL adopt FIFA's player transfer system to prevent poaching of young talent, suggesting clubs should retain control over player movements through negotiated releases.
