Work to secure the long-term viability of Stockton foreshore has taken a significant step forward with the state government's certification of a coastal management program for the area.
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It is the first such program to be certified under the state government's Coastal Management Act.
"Earlier this year I directed the council to prepare a CMP as an urgent matter of priority given the significant community concern about the ongoing erosion plaguing the area," Local Government Minister Shelly Hancock said.
"I am now pleased to certify council's program which was developed in close consultation with the Stockton community, and provides a clear strategy for the long-term management of the coastline."
Almost three quarters of Stockton residents indicated their support for the plan, which proposes a mix of immediate and longer-term measures to replenish the beach and protect coastal assets.
Longer-term actions identified in the program include a mass offshore marine sand nourishment campaign of 2.4 million cubic metres and an ongoing 10-year maintenance program to provide the necessary protection for Stockton.
The Deputy Premier's Stockton Beach Taskforce and the State Government will explore all opportunities to source sand for the mass offshore beach nourishment that is affordable and suitable, with the Taskforce having had its inaugural meeting on 16 June 2020.
A certified CMP now allows Council to access 2:1 funding from the Government to implement actions outlined in the program.
City of Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said she was pleased that the collaborative approach taken between the council and the government had delivered a result that allowed for a long-term solution to address coastal erosion to begin.
"City of Newcastle is proud to have the first certified CMP along the NSW coastline, and we look forward to continuing to work with the government to deliver the important actions outlined in the program to help protect Stockton and restore amenity to the beach," Cr Nelmes said.
"We also warmly welcome the government's recent initiative allowing for 2:1 funding which will greatly assist the council to apply for grants to deliver upon the actions in the CMP."
"We look forward to continuing to work with the government on addressing coastal hazards at Stockton through this process and thank Minister Hancock for her continued support, and the Deputy Premier John Barilaro for his work in establishing the Stockton Beach Taskforce."
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Matthew Kelly
Matthew Kelly has worked as a journalist for more than 25 years. He has been working as a general reporter at the Newcastle Herald since 2018. In recent years he has reported on subjects including environment, energy, water security, manufacturing and higher education. He has previously covered issues including the health and environmental impacts of uncovered coal wagons in the Hunter Valley, the pollution of legacy of former industrial sites and freedom of information issues.
Matthew Kelly has worked as a journalist for more than 25 years. He has been working as a general reporter at the Newcastle Herald since 2018. In recent years he has reported on subjects including environment, energy, water security, manufacturing and higher education. He has previously covered issues including the health and environmental impacts of uncovered coal wagons in the Hunter Valley, the pollution of legacy of former industrial sites and freedom of information issues.
