Council's Changeroom Roof Plan Meets Community Resistance
Newcastle City Council is facing significant community backlash over its controversial proposal to install roofs on the Newcastle Ocean Baths changerooms. The council has cited concerns about potential unauthorised surveillance by drones as a key reason for the project, particularly highlighting risks to children's privacy. However, this justification has left many residents questioning the council's consistency in decision-making.
Historical Decisions Questioned
The current proposal appears contradictory to council actions taken approximately seven years ago at Nobbys Beach, where showers were removed from changerooms, forcing patrons to shower outdoors in full public view. Robert Green from Georgetown expressed his frustration, calling the situation "mind-boggling" given the previous decision that compromised patron privacy.
Community Preferences Ignored
Christine Everingham from Newcastle East points to council reports that emphasize the importance of natural surveillance through openness rather than enclosed spaces. Despite a community petition gathering over 2000 signatures supporting open-air, communal changerooms with optional private cubicles, the council has not presented alternative models that would preserve the baths' traditional character while addressing privacy concerns.
The reports used to justify the roofing project primarily focus on maintenance issues and potential vandalism rather than personal safety, raising further questions about the council's priorities and the substantial costs involved in the proposed changes.
