Twenty-seven Stockton locals have been told they’re out of a job this morning, as City of Newcastle permanently closes ‘Lexie’s on the Beach’.
The much-loved café forced to shut it’s doors on the advice of coastal engineers.
They say the severe erosion in recent weeks has placed the building in a hazardous zone and poses an unacceptable risk to public safety.
Council has told the business a new rock wall needs to be built to secure the building.
“We understand the direct impact this will have for the operators of the café, staff and its patrons as Lexie’s in a much-loved and valuable part of the community,” City of Newcastle Infrastructure and Property Director Ken Liddell said.
“We will be working closely with the business owner to transition out the premise to make this difficult process as smooth as possible.”
Council has also relocated 16 ocean-edged cabins that were at risk of falling into the ocean at Stockton Beach Holiday Park, adjacent to the café.
The New South Wales Labor leader was at Stockton Beach today, speaking with “Lexie’s on the Beach” manager Vinne Sovechles.
On her visit, Jody McKay slammed the Berejiklian Government for its failure to act on the worsening erosion crisis, saying immediate steps are needed before the seaside community washes away.
McKay also suggested the Government should overturn the ban on offshore marine dredging.
“This is a sensible solution the community is calling for. The ball is in the Berejiklian Government’s court – shame on them for just doing nothing,” Ms McKay said.
Lydia Bilton will have the full details tonight at 6pm.
