Newcastle Council's Stockton Coastal Management Program (CMP) team has been recognized as essential and will work remotely through any Government-directed lockdown in response to COVID-19 in order to meet the Local Government Minister’s shortened deadline of 30 June 2020.
Despite the challenges brought by COVID-19, Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes has met with the Stockton Community Liaison Group via Zoom.
“With projects on hold or delayed across the
state there had been some concern from the Stockton community about how
COVID-19 would affect our ability to deliver a CMP by the shortened deadline,”
the Lord Mayor said.
“We reiterated today that despite the enormous
challenges we’re facing as a community, Stockton remains a key priority for City of Newcastle. The team delivering our CMP will continue to work as an
essential service should the Federal or State Government direct the community
into lockdown.”
The Lord Mayor said Stockton’s CMP was expected
to focus primarily on sand nourishment along with the protection of public and
private assets.
“The message is clear from the Stockton
community. Return a sandy beach that locals and visitors can enjoy, and manage
our natural coastal environment in a way that reduces risk and keeps the
community’s way of life."
“Our Stockton team is reviewing all previous
options however, there’s really only one way to deliver on this call from the
community and that’s to complete a CMP focused primarily on beach amenity and
reducing risk, that will meet the demands of the State Government’s
certification requirements."
“We will be looking for
community feedback in mid-May during the public exhibition period.”
The draft Stockton CMP will be placed on 28-day
Public Exhibition from Wednesday 13th May, providing
the community an opportunity to have their say on the long-term plan to manage
coastal erosion.
Due to restrictions on public gatherings caused by the
COVID-19 pandemic, Newcastle Council will continue to engage online and via the
post /mail.
