22-07-2025
'Dangerous eyesore': council calls for end to Horseshoe beach stalemate
A STALEMATE between the City of Newcastle and Transport for NSW has seen one of the "best locations in Newcastle" become a "dangerous eyesore".
Horseshoe beach car park and the nearby dunes have become overrun with "vagrants", littered with needles and drug paraphernalia and are apparently so unsafe that the council's own regulatory staff have been told not to go there.
The council stopped all regulatory action in the Horseshoe beach area about 12 months ago.
Liberal councillors Jenny Barrie and Callum Pull have put forward a motion to Tuesday's council meeting calling on Transport for NSW (TFNSW) to come to the table on a solution.
The report acknowledges residents' concerns and said the "unkept state" of the area has turned one of the best locations in Newcastle into a "dangerous eyesore".
A report to councillors said City of Newcastle (CN) had not been able to resolve a service agreement with TFNSW, which would ensure maintenance and management of the precinct, since the end of Newcastle 500.
With no signposted parking restrictions in place, the car park is being used for short and long-term parking and has become home to rough sleepers living out of their vehicles.
The motion to councillors argues that if proper parking restriction signs are in place, the council will have the authority to enforce the rules in the car park.
TFNSW told the Newcastle Herald last week it planned to replace "no overnight camping" signs, which were removed by unknown persons. The new signs will permit four-hour parking and the towing away of vehicles as required.
A TFNSW spokeswoman said it is acting to ensure the safety of locals and visitors following reports of antisocial behaviour from people overstaying at the car park.
"Transport has worked with NSW Police to identify owners of some personal belongings at the carpark and ensure their return," she said.
"Transport prioritises the amenity and cleanliness of our assets. Transport crews cleaned the site Friday, including the removal of items from a former camper.
"Transport has always been responsible for cleaning the beach and has spent an average of $20,000 per annum in doing so."
Last month, a man was arrested at a caravan parked at Horseshoe beach after it was alleged that he chased another man with a loaded speargun, struck him with a golf club and damaged his car with a shovel.
In May, fisherman Shane Ross said he was violently assaulted after an altercation at the car park.
Mr Ross said he was punched through the window of his car and had his keys smashed before the assailant ran off.
On Tuesday, councillors will decide whether to formally call on TFNSW to address safety issues at around Horseshoe beach, signpost parking restrictions, and finalise a service agreement with the council.
Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp said he has approached the minister on the issue and is aware TFNSW has been negotiating with the council for some time.
"CN has made it clear that they would not come to an agreement until those in vans and those living rough have been moved on," he said.
Mr Crakanthorp said TFNSW, NSW Police and Homes NSW have been working to move on vans and rehouse rough sleepers.
"I have been working with TFNSW and police, and I understand that the gazetting of new signage is imminent and signs will be erected following the required notification time," he said.
"TFNSW has started a progressive clean-up of waste in the area.
"This is a complex matter where we need to support those experiencing homelessness and also resolve the ongoing issue of management. I have met with the minister and asked her to escalate this."
"This included maintenance of the car park, the surrounding assets, and included reduced regulatory presence in the TFNSW area," the report to councillors said.
"Due to safety becoming an unacceptable risk to our staff and with no direction on applicable controls or resourcing from TFNSW, CN ceased all regulatory action in the area approximately 12 months ago."
The report said cleaning Horseshoe beach and the northern end of Camp Shortland costs Newcastle ratepayers about $400,000 each year.
If approved, the council will write to Mr Crakanthorp, Minister for Regional Roads and Transport Jenny Aitchison and TFNSW asking for the matter to be resolved.
The council claims it has contacted TFNSW on multiple occasions, as far back as January 2024, about the issue.
The report said meetings have been held during the past year, but more recently had been "cancelled by TFNSW for unknown reasons".
"TFNSW and the state member for Newcastle have been informed by CN that its parking officers will not undertake parking patrols until the car park is safe and a service agreement is in place for the HBP [Horseshoe Beach precinct]," the report said.
The council said it has made recommendations to TFNSW to address long-term parking in the area and has offered to make and install signage once TFNSW decides what actions it wants to take.
A STALEMATE between the City of Newcastle and Transport for NSW has seen one of the "best locations in Newcastle" become a "dangerous eyesore".
Horseshoe beach car park and the nearby dunes have become overrun with "vagrants", littered with needles and drug paraphernalia and are apparently so unsafe that the council's own regulatory staff have been told not to go there.
The council stopped all regulatory action in the Horseshoe beach area about 12 months ago.
Liberal councillors Jenny Barrie and Callum Pull have put forward a motion to Tuesday's council meeting calling on Transport for NSW (TFNSW) to come to the table on a solution.
The report acknowledges residents' concerns and said the "unkept state" of the area has turned one of the best locations in Newcastle into a "dangerous eyesore".
A report to councillors said City of Newcastle (CN) had not been able to resolve a service agreement with TFNSW, which would ensure maintenance and management of the precinct, since the end of Newcastle 500.
With no signposted parking restrictions in place, the car park is being used for short and long-term parking and has become home to rough sleepers living out of their vehicles.
The motion to councillors argues that if proper parking restriction signs are in place, the council will have the authority to enforce the rules in the car park.
TFNSW told the Newcastle Herald last week it planned to replace "no overnight camping" signs, which were removed by unknown persons. The new signs will permit four-hour parking and the towing away of vehicles as required.
A TFNSW spokeswoman said it is acting to ensure the safety of locals and visitors following reports of antisocial behaviour from people overstaying at the car park.
"Transport has worked with NSW Police to identify owners of some personal belongings at the carpark and ensure their return," she said.
"Transport prioritises the amenity and cleanliness of our assets. Transport crews cleaned the site Friday, including the removal of items from a former camper.
"Transport has always been responsible for cleaning the beach and has spent an average of $20,000 per annum in doing so."
Last month, a man was arrested at a caravan parked at Horseshoe beach after it was alleged that he chased another man with a loaded speargun, struck him with a golf club and damaged his car with a shovel.
In May, fisherman Shane Ross said he was violently assaulted after an altercation at the car park.
Mr Ross said he was punched through the window of his car and had his keys smashed before the assailant ran off.
On Tuesday, councillors will decide whether to formally call on TFNSW to address safety issues at around Horseshoe beach, signpost parking restrictions, and finalise a service agreement with the council.
Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp said he has approached the minister on the issue and is aware TFNSW has been negotiating with the council for some time.
"CN has made it clear that they would not come to an agreement until those in vans and those living rough have been moved on," he said.
Mr Crakanthorp said TFNSW, NSW Police and Homes NSW have been working to move on vans and rehouse rough sleepers.
"I have been working with TFNSW and police, and I understand that the gazetting of new signage is imminent and signs will be erected following the required notification time," he said.
"TFNSW has started a progressive clean-up of waste in the area.
"This is a complex matter where we need to support those experiencing homelessness and also resolve the ongoing issue of management. I have met with the minister and asked her to escalate this."
"This included maintenance of the car park, the surrounding assets, and included reduced regulatory presence in the TFNSW area," the report to councillors said.
"Due to safety becoming an unacceptable risk to our staff and with no direction on applicable controls or resourcing from TFNSW, CN ceased all regulatory action in the area approximately 12 months ago."
The report said cleaning Horseshoe beach and the northern end of Camp Shortland costs Newcastle ratepayers about $400,000 each year.
If approved, the council will write to Mr Crakanthorp, Minister for Regional Roads and Transport Jenny Aitchison and TFNSW asking for the matter to be resolved.
The council claims it has contacted TFNSW on multiple occasions, as far back as January 2024, about the issue.
The report said meetings have been held during the past year, but more recently had been "cancelled by TFNSW for unknown reasons".
"TFNSW and the state member for Newcastle have been informed by CN that its parking officers will not undertake parking patrols until the car park is safe and a service agreement is in place for the HBP [Horseshoe Beach precinct]," the report said.
The council said it has made recommendations to TFNSW to address long-term parking in the area and has offered to make and install signage once TFNSW decides what actions it wants to take.
A STALEMATE between the City of Newcastle and Transport for NSW has seen one of the "best locations in Newcastle" become a "dangerous eyesore".
Horseshoe beach car park and the nearby dunes have become overrun with "vagrants", littered with needles and drug paraphernalia and are apparently so unsafe that the council's own regulatory staff have been told not to go there.
The council stopped all regulatory action in the Horseshoe beach area about 12 months ago.
Liberal councillors Jenny Barrie and Callum Pull have put forward a motion to Tuesday's council meeting calling on Transport for NSW (TFNSW) to come to the table on a solution.
The report acknowledges residents' concerns and said the "unkept state" of the area has turned one of the best locations in Newcastle into a "dangerous eyesore".
A report to councillors said City of Newcastle (CN) had not been able to resolve a service agreement with TFNSW, which would ensure maintenance and management of the precinct, since the end of Newcastle 500.
With no signposted parking restrictions in place, the car park is being used for short and long-term parking and has become home to rough sleepers living out of their vehicles.
The motion to councillors argues that if proper parking restriction signs are in place, the council will have the authority to enforce the rules in the car park.
TFNSW told the Newcastle Herald last week it planned to replace "no overnight camping" signs, which were removed by unknown persons. The new signs will permit four-hour parking and the towing away of vehicles as required.
A TFNSW spokeswoman said it is acting to ensure the safety of locals and visitors following reports of antisocial behaviour from people overstaying at the car park.
"Transport has worked with NSW Police to identify owners of some personal belongings at the carpark and ensure their return," she said.
"Transport prioritises the amenity and cleanliness of our assets. Transport crews cleaned the site Friday, including the removal of items from a former camper.
"Transport has always been responsible for cleaning the beach and has spent an average of $20,000 per annum in doing so."
Last month, a man was arrested at a caravan parked at Horseshoe beach after it was alleged that he chased another man with a loaded speargun, struck him with a golf club and damaged his car with a shovel.
In May, fisherman Shane Ross said he was violently assaulted after an altercation at the car park.
Mr Ross said he was punched through the window of his car and had his keys smashed before the assailant ran off.
On Tuesday, councillors will decide whether to formally call on TFNSW to address safety issues at around Horseshoe beach, signpost parking restrictions, and finalise a service agreement with the council.
Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp said he has approached the minister on the issue and is aware TFNSW has been negotiating with the council for some time.
"CN has made it clear that they would not come to an agreement until those in vans and those living rough have been moved on," he said.
Mr Crakanthorp said TFNSW, NSW Police and Homes NSW have been working to move on vans and rehouse rough sleepers.
"I have been working with TFNSW and police, and I understand that the gazetting of new signage is imminent and signs will be erected following the required notification time," he said.
"TFNSW has started a progressive clean-up of waste in the area.
"This is a complex matter where we need to support those experiencing homelessness and also resolve the ongoing issue of management. I have met with the minister and asked her to escalate this."
"This included maintenance of the car park, the surrounding assets, and included reduced regulatory presence in the TFNSW area," the report to councillors said.
"Due to safety becoming an unacceptable risk to our staff and with no direction on applicable controls or resourcing from TFNSW, CN ceased all regulatory action in the area approximately 12 months ago."
The report said cleaning Horseshoe beach and the northern end of Camp Shortland costs Newcastle ratepayers about $400,000 each year.
If approved, the council will write to Mr Crakanthorp, Minister for Regional Roads and Transport Jenny Aitchison and TFNSW asking for the matter to be resolved.
The council claims it has contacted TFNSW on multiple occasions, as far back as January 2024, about the issue.
The report said meetings have been held during the past year, but more recently had been "cancelled by TFNSW for unknown reasons".
"TFNSW and the state member for Newcastle have been informed by CN that its parking officers will not undertake parking patrols until the car park is safe and a service agreement is in place for the HBP [Horseshoe Beach precinct]," the report said.
The council said it has made recommendations to TFNSW to address long-term parking in the area and has offered to make and install signage once TFNSW decides what actions it wants to take.
A STALEMATE between the City of Newcastle and Transport for NSW has seen one of the "best locations in Newcastle" become a "dangerous eyesore".
Horseshoe beach car park and the nearby dunes have become overrun with "vagrants", littered with needles and drug paraphernalia and are apparently so unsafe that the council's own regulatory staff have been told not to go there.
The council stopped all regulatory action in the Horseshoe beach area about 12 months ago.
Liberal councillors Jenny Barrie and Callum Pull have put forward a motion to Tuesday's council meeting calling on Transport for NSW (TFNSW) to come to the table on a solution.
The report acknowledges residents' concerns and said the "unkept state" of the area has turned one of the best locations in Newcastle into a "dangerous eyesore".
A report to councillors said City of Newcastle (CN) had not been able to resolve a service agreement with TFNSW, which would ensure maintenance and management of the precinct, since the end of Newcastle 500.
With no signposted parking restrictions in place, the car park is being used for short and long-term parking and has become home to rough sleepers living out of their vehicles.
The motion to councillors argues that if proper parking restriction signs are in place, the council will have the authority to enforce the rules in the car park.
TFNSW told the Newcastle Herald last week it planned to replace "no overnight camping" signs, which were removed by unknown persons. The new signs will permit four-hour parking and the towing away of vehicles as required.
A TFNSW spokeswoman said it is acting to ensure the safety of locals and visitors following reports of antisocial behaviour from people overstaying at the car park.
"Transport has worked with NSW Police to identify owners of some personal belongings at the carpark and ensure their return," she said.
"Transport prioritises the amenity and cleanliness of our assets. Transport crews cleaned the site Friday, including the removal of items from a former camper.
"Transport has always been responsible for cleaning the beach and has spent an average of $20,000 per annum in doing so."
Last month, a man was arrested at a caravan parked at Horseshoe beach after it was alleged that he chased another man with a loaded speargun, struck him with a golf club and damaged his car with a shovel.
In May, fisherman Shane Ross said he was violently assaulted after an altercation at the car park.
Mr Ross said he was punched through the window of his car and had his keys smashed before the assailant ran off.
On Tuesday, councillors will decide whether to formally call on TFNSW to address safety issues at around Horseshoe beach, signpost parking restrictions, and finalise a service agreement with the council.
Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp said he has approached the minister on the issue and is aware TFNSW has been negotiating with the council for some time.
"CN has made it clear that they would not come to an agreement until those in vans and those living rough have been moved on," he said.
Mr Crakanthorp said TFNSW, NSW Police and Homes NSW have been working to move on vans and rehouse rough sleepers.
"I have been working with TFNSW and police, and I understand that the gazetting of new signage is imminent and signs will be erected following the required notification time," he said.
"TFNSW has started a progressive clean-up of waste in the area.
"This is a complex matter where we need to support those experiencing homelessness and also resolve the ongoing issue of management. I have met with the minister and asked her to escalate this."
"This included maintenance of the car park, the surrounding assets, and included reduced regulatory presence in the TFNSW area," the report to councillors said.
"Due to safety becoming an unacceptable risk to our staff and with no direction on applicable controls or resourcing from TFNSW, CN ceased all regulatory action in the area approximately 12 months ago."
The report said cleaning Horseshoe beach and the northern end of Camp Shortland costs Newcastle ratepayers about $400,000 each year.
If approved, the council will write to Mr Crakanthorp, Minister for Regional Roads and Transport Jenny Aitchison and TFNSW asking for the matter to be resolved.
The council claims it has contacted TFNSW on multiple occasions, as far back as January 2024, about the issue.
The report said meetings have been held during the past year, but more recently had been "cancelled by TFNSW for unknown reasons".
"TFNSW and the state member for Newcastle have been informed by CN that its parking officers will not undertake parking patrols until the car park is safe and a service agreement is in place for the HBP [Horseshoe Beach precinct]," the report said.
The council said it has made recommendations to TFNSW to address long-term parking in the area and has offered to make and install signage once TFNSW decides what actions it wants to take.
