Beach Asset framework
The Beach Asset Framework was developed in response to the changing expectations of the community and a variety of challenges affecting Council’s Beach Assets.
It was adopted by Council on 4 September 2007.
Download a copy of the Beach Asset Framework (2.55Mb pdf)
Beach assets are defined as Council controlled buildings fronting the coast including beach pavilions, kiosks, surf club pavilions, lifeguard facilities, vacant buildings and amenity blocks.
These assets are located at Stockton Beach, Nobbys Beach, Newcastle Ocean Baths, Newcastle Beach, Bar Beach, Dixon Park Beach, Merewether Beach (including Surf House), and Merewether Ocean Baths.
The majority of beach assets are located on Crown Land and seven of the nine beach assets currently operate under various plans of management under the Local Government Act.
The need for a framework has arisen as a result of a number of challenges currently facing Council in relation to its Beach Assets, including:
- Changing community expectations of beach experiences
- Environmental pressures and natural forces affecting coastal assets
- Increasing maintenance of ageing infrastructure
- Inconsistent management arrangements of Beach Assets
- Inequity in the provision of services and facilities
- Changes in operating conditions including OH & S, Insurance and Risk Management and
- Changes in commercial opportunities.
At the heart of the framework are six guiding principles: quality, variety, equity, balance, design and priority needs. These principles would be used as the initial ‘screening tool’ in assessment of any future proposals. A further stepped process of assessment including assessment by an evaluation team, reporting to Council and calling for expressions of interest if appropriate.
With these guiding principles in mind, the Framework can be used to:
- Assess the adequacy of existing public services and facilities
- Identify priority needs
- Assess the merits of specific proposals impacting on the existing built and surrounding beach environment.
In terms of service delivery, a variety of options exist:
- Council or Department of Lands (DoL) as sole developer or operator
- Council in partnership with DoL
- Council in partnership with the private sector
- Expression of Interest with the private sector
For further information on the Beach Asset Framework contact Organisational Performance on 02 4974 2821.
