Before positions become entrenched it is worth reviewing the situation.

The starting point of the debate was that, for many years, Newcastle's coastal public infrastructure has been allowed to fall into disrepair.

Surf clubs have been particularly aggrieved about the condition of the buildings they have occupied, pointing to better facilities in Lake Macquarie and Port Stephens.

With these facts before her, the Member for Newcastle, Jodi McKay, proposed a new model for coastal land management, suggesting that various beachfront parcels of land be combined into a single reserve.

Under this model, Ms McKay suggested, a limited number of commercial enterprises would be permitted and the income from these would support better surf club facilities and a general overhaul of beachfront parkland and assets.

Ms McKay has unambiguously guaranteed that none of the income would be hijacked by the State Government.

The surf clubs are in favour of the plan and Newcastle City Council, despite some apparent early reluctance, has signed a memorandum of understanding.

The council and State Government have funded a draft Newcastle Coastal Revitalisation Masterplan, due in March.

Some early ideas to emerge from this planning process have included controversial suggestions such as closure of the Bogey Hole on safety grounds and commercial activity on Empire Park.

Furious debate over these early suggestions has polarised much public opinion, with critics suggesting the city may lose more than it gains from possible alienation of precious coastal open space for commercial use.

The suspicion is hardly surprising. The NSW Government's stocks are low in Newcastle and its involvement in almost anything engenders apprehension.

But Ms McKay has urged Novocastrians to hold judgement until they see the draft report, and even then to realise there will be scope for comment and input.