Shoal Bay’s ‘Missing Link’ walkway under reconstruction Port Stephens Port Stephens by News Of The Area - Modern Media - August 20, 2024 ‘Bucket Man’ Mike Shaw: Devastated yet dedicated to restoring the collapsed ‘Missing Link’ walkway. ALTHOUGH Mike Shaw says he is “by no means unique” in his capacity as a 32-year veteran in community volunteering, he has contributed significantly to land conservation in Shoal Bay. Of particular interest to Mike is the preservation of Shoal Bay Beach through a Landcare Australia program he coordinates. Advertise with News of The Area today. It’s worth it for your business. Message us. Phone us – (02) 4981 8882. Email us – media@newsofthearea.com.au Passersby continuously greet Mike, often referred to as ‘Bucket Man’, as he undertakes his daily mission to pick up rubbish from foreshore areas. Mike is now turning his attention to the restoration of the ‘Missing Link’ walkway, a substantial section of which was dumped into the ocean during recent storms. The Missing Link was the final instalment of a desired water walkway from Tomaree Headland to Corlette, which Mike and fellow volunteers constructed. The initial goal set in 2008 was to “create a continuous, waterfront, shared pathway”. Mike is “devastated by the recent collapse” and the subsequent seven foot drop off where once there was a stunning and stable beachfront corridor. Mike and the Landcare group are dedicated to working with Port Stephens Council and the State Government to restore the pathway, commencing with sand replenishment in August before reviewing and implementing more permanent solutions. “Shoal Bay beach experiences a different kind of erosion at separate times from a variety of contributing factors,” Mike said. By Jacie Whitfield
