Newcastle memories: Lessons mainly from the 1970s

Konrad Moelle (1932– 2002) made significant contributions to Engineering Geology research and teaching in the Hunter Valley and adjacent areas. Memories are short and the recent years of dry weather have perhaps tended to lull present workers about the stability of the soils and rocks of the Newcastle region. This paper, commenced prior to Konrad’s death, documents work we did together, mainly in the 1970s – 80s, in the Tickhole Tunnel – Carnley Avenue area where, in a single period, there were significant surface failures endangering engineering works. A particular aim of the paper is to stress that historical records are worth preserving and being available – they will be needed again. Not all the data exists on Google!