Last chance to comment on Licensed Food and Drink Premises

Dear Members and Supporters,

This is a final reminder that comments on the proposed licensed food and drink premises at the Newcastle Ocean Baths close this Monday at 5:00 pm.

If you want your concerns considered, this is the last opportunity to have your say.

You do not need to write a long or technical submission.

A few sentences, written in your own words, is enough.

Where to send your comment

Email: propertyservices@ncc.nsw.gov.au

Short on time?

Use the points below as prompts — not a script.

You may choose just one or two issues that matter most to you.

The place

Whether licensed alcohol service is appropriate inside a public swimming and bathing facility

How the proposal changes the public, family-oriented character of the Baths

Whether a licensed venue aligns with the Baths’ heritage and community purpose

Scale and use

How the size of the proposed food and drink premises compares with the small historic kiosk

Whether the scale feels proportionate for a public bathing facility

Safety and management

What happens in the evenings once lifeguards are off duty

Who would manage alcohol-related behaviour, particularly outside the café lease area

Whether lifeguards should be expected to manage anything beyond water safety

Amenity and access

Impacts on crowding, circulation and shared spaces for swimmers, families and school groups

Noise and amenity impacts, particularly in the evenings

Inclusion

Whether an alcohol-centred venue may make some community members feel excluded or uncomfortable

Impacts on culturally diverse groups or people who avoid alcohol-focused spaces

Important reminders

Write in your own words

Keep it short and personal

You may comment on any single issue

Individual submissions carry more weight than copied text

Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to engage.

Kind regards,

Friends of Newcastle Ocean Baths Inc. (FONOB)

President: Peter Wickham