Newcastle’s iconic Macquarie Pier and its historic harbourside walkway will be revitalised in a major new improvement project by Port Authority of New South Wales. Starting this month, the Macquarie Pier Revitalisation Project will create a local destination that celebrates Newcastle’s maritime history and seamlessly complements the Bathers Way coastal walk. Port Authority’s $3 million upgrade will see a new, widened pathway complete with sandstone seating, maritime-style fencing, and interpretive heritage features along the 900m route. At the foot of Nobbys Head, a new paved area will create a gathering space for visitors to relax, enjoy a coffee from mobile cafes and watch the activity of the working port. “Macquarie Pier has provided safe passage for ships entering Newcastle Harbour for over 200 years and has been integral in developing Newcastle into the city it is today,” Port Authority’s Head of Operations, Newcastle & North Coast Emma Fenson said. “The revitalised Macquarie Pier will give people a place to connect with Newcastle’s maritime heritage and create a space for visitors and the city’s community to enjoy for years to come.” The works are scheduled to begin this August and the revitalised Macquarie Pier is set to open to the public in late 2020 in time for the summer season. For safety reasons, Macquarie Pier and Nobbys Head will be closed to the public during the construction period. The Newcastle Breakwall will remain open during the works and can be accessed by the public via Nobbys Beach. Find out more about the project.

Photo: Paul Barkley/NRL

Grassroots footy in regional NSW will receive a massive boost in 2020 with the NSW Government and the National Rugby League announcing a Premiership game will take place in Tamworth later this month.

Deputy Premier John Barilaro said the game, which will be played between the New Zealand Warriors and the Newcastle Knights on 29 August is huge news for rugby league in the regions, where people live and breathe sport.

“I have said in the past that rugby league is the fabric of life in the bush so to see the elite level of the game return to its grassroots base is truly exciting,” Mr Barilaro said.

“The Warriors and the Knights are guaranteed to put on a show in this Trans-Tasman encounter, but the real winner on the day is footy in the bush.”

Acting Minister for Sport Geoff Lee said bringing the NRL’s first graders into our regional communities is a big win for the bush.

“Taking the NRL out of the big smoke and into the country will give families from Tamworth the chance to see their stars from the stands.”

Australian Rugby League Commission Chairman Peter V’landys AM said the match provided the perfect opportunity to acknowledge the Tamworth community for their assistance in the resumption of the Telstra Premiership.

“We want to thank the Tamworth community and businesses for their kindness, support and hospitality shown to the Warriors whilst they were (in quarantine) in their beautiful town,’’ Mr V’landys said.

The NSW Government will be working with the NRL and ground staff to ensure all COVIDSafe plans and Public Health Orders are followed.

Destination NSW

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