The Awabakal and Worimi peoples are acknowledged by City of Newcastle the traditional custodians of the land situated within the Newcastle local government area, including wetlands, rivers, creeks, and coastal environments.

It is known that their heritage and cultural ties to Newcastle date back tens of thousands of years.

[6] Recreational facilities include the Hunter Wetlands Centre, Shortland Waters Golf Course, netball courts, and sporting ovals.

Works on the environmentally sensitive Shortland to Sandgate section included a 1.9-kilometre dual carriageway, a 60-metre grade separated interchange, a signalised intersection, two bridges over Deepbridge Creek and two bridges over the Main Northern Railway.

The project also included sediment basins to control run-off and provide habitat for the endangered green and golden bell frog.