The Port of Newcastle is being asked to bring more to the table in addressing beach erosion at Stockton.
The Port has been included in calls from some residents for a joint-effort approach addressing the causes of Stockton beach erosion as the replenishment effort continues.
Stage Two of Newcastle Council's beach nourishment project is set to be completed this year with most of the sand from Stage One having now settled away from the beach.
Experts say there isn't cause for concern after most of the 5,500 tonnes of sand replaced at Stockton beach washed out to sea in the space of a month.
The first stage of Newcastle Council's beach nourishment project was completed in December, but almost all of the sand has now moved away from the beach itself.
Earth Sciences Conjoint Professor with the University of Newcastle, Doctor Ron Boyd, says although it appears the sand has been lost, it's actually been redistributed.
He says this redistribution will help combat the beach erosion crisis.
"It's actually very good to have a wide surf zone, because the waves then break further from the shore, and they dissipate their energy before they get right up close to the shore," he said.
"If you don't have any new shore sand, then the waves break very close to the beach and dune lines and then they can exacerbate further erosion."
A spokesperson from Newcastle Council says the movement of sand was expected, and more sand will be added this year.
"A second stage involving placement of sand north of the Lexie’s Café accessway, adjacent to the Surf Club, is expected to be undertaken in 2020 subject to further approvals," the Newcastle Council Spokesperson said.
The Port of Newcastle this week became the first in Australia to be certified by EcoPorts for its environmental management, but is facing some criticism over its level of involvement in addressing the causes of beach erosion.
Dr Boyd says the Port's role in causing beach erosion isn't being addressed enough.
"The amount of money that's required to solve the beach erosion problem at Stockton that arise from the port infrastructure is a real drop in the ocean compared to the billions of dollars each year that is made through the port. So I really think that there should be a much more active role"
But, a Port of Newcastle spokesperson says it's been working cooperatively with Council and the State Government to find a solution to the erosion issues, and provides around 25,000 cubic-metres of sand dredged from the shipping channel entrance to Stockton annually.
"While Stockton Beach is outside the port lease, Port of Newcastle has been following the erosion issue and recognises it as a matter of concern for the Stockton community as well as the broader community," the spokesperson said.
The spokesperson also says the port contributes technical knowledge to the NSW Government's efforts to address the erosion.
"Port of Newcastle shares the community’s interest in finding an appropriate solution.
"To that end, Port of Newcastle has been working cooperatively with the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage and the City of Newcastle – the government agencies that have responsibility and oversight for Stockton Beach – since the port lease commenced in 2014," the spokesperson said.
President of Stockton's Northside Boardriders Club, Simon Jones, says sand dumps are only a temporary fix and a thorough look at the causes is needed.
He suggests a stronger joint effort between the Port of Newcastle, the State Government, and Newcastle Council is needed to address erosion long term.
"I think if we're going to get a resolution, that's certainly the pathway we need to take," he said.
Mr Jones says while the infrastructure is government-owned, there is concern over the impact of the operations of the port on Stockton sands. But he says all the stakeholders need to make sure the issue is addressed correctly.
"I know it's quite frustrating to a lot of people to see more meetings and more studies, and think, 'Why isn't anybody doing anything now?'. But if we want to get something done and we want it to work, I think it needs to be done the first time and that does, I guess, take time," Mr Jones said.
The Port of Newcastle spokesperson says it already actively contributes to address the issue.
"While Port of Newcastle is not a government agency, we are committed to continuing to share our technical knowledge.
"It is important to note that the breakwaters are a NSW Government asset with construction dating back to the late 1800s. Similarly, the construction of Macquarie Pier to link Nobbys to the mainland dates back to the early 1800s," the spokesperson said.
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| The Port of Newcastle says it is actively involved in addressing the erosion of Stockton Beach. Image: Port of Newcastle |
