More Funding Announced For Stockton Beach

BY IAN CROUCH 

The state government has provided a further $768,000 to Newcastle Council as the fight to restore Stockton Beach continues.

Local Government Minister, Shelly Hancock says the money will be used to investigate the suitability and feasibility of delivering sand dredged from the South Arm of the Hunter River estuary to potentially deliver mass sand nourishment to the beach.

The latest funding commitment is part of five current funding streams from the government's Coastal and Estuary Grants Program, helping to fund the restoration of the eroded beachfront. 

Another $768,00 announced for sand nourishment on Stockton Beach

City of Newcastle Seeking Community Feedback on Stockton Beach Solutions

BY DAKOTA TAIT

The City of Newcastle is asking the community for feedback on newly proposed erosion management options for the northern parts of Stockton Beach.

Four schemes have been identified in conjunction with sand nourishment as part of the Stockton Coastal Management Program 2021.

The schemes include organising ongoing sand nourishment efforts, building an artificial headland 150 to 200 metres into surf, constructing a submerged, artificial reef to slow sand movement, and a plan to implement machinery to recirculate sand used for beach nourishment. 

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes says community feedback will help decide the feasibility of each option.

“During this early phase we are gathering feedback from the community on the schemes that have been developed to help prolong mass sand nourishment," Cr Nelmes said.

“We would now like to hear from the wider community about what people like or don’t like about the options we’re considering, and why.”

City of Newcastle will also have to work with local stakeholders such as Hunter Water and NSW Crown Lands, who own much of the land at the northern end of Stockton Beach.

City of Newcastle Director Infrastructure Ken Liddell says any proposed schemes will still have to be put through rigorous technical tests before implementation. 

“For schemes that are considered feasible, we will then carry out a viability assessment, which will take the cost of each scheme into account and allow us to carry out a cost-benefit analysis,” Mr Liddell said.

The community can find out more and offer feedback at newcastle.nsw.gov.au/Stockton, or in person by filling in a paper survey at Stockton Library.

Image credit: newcastle.nsw.gov.au

$1M To Tackle Stockton Beach Erosion

BY IAN CROUCH

The state government has today pledged $1 million to address the erosion of Stockton Beach.

It follows the first meeting of Deputy Premier John Barilaro's Stockton Beach Taskforce earlier this month.

The Taskforce has backed three key actions, having already identified the best potential sand source - offshore dredging, to supply sand to replenish the beach.

The $1 million will go towards necessary exploration work to identify the most suitable supply of sand in the area and pay for the gathering of baseline environmental data for a future development application.

The third key action plan involves working towards minor amendments to the Offshore Minerals Act to be taken to Cabinet for approval which will allow offshore dredging to proceed.

Mr Barilaro said the NSW Government is determined to find a solution by working with both sides of Government as well as the community.

"I am grateful for the spirit of co-operation demonstrated from our first meeting, which has brought together Government agencies, local community leaders and representatives, and the port of Newcastle," he said.

$1M committed to Stockton Beach erosion plan

Port of Newcastle Included in Stockton Erosion Discussion

BY KAYNE STEPHENS

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.

The Port of Newcastle says it is actively involved in addressing the erosion of Stockton Beach. Image: Port of Newcastle

Stockton Erosion Closes Childcare Centre

BY KAYNE STEPHENS

Significant safety concerns have caused a childcare centre in Stockton to close after engineers warned accelerated erosion rates of the coastline have rendered the site no longer safe for occupation.

The Mission Australia Early Learning Centre will be permanently closed from today due to the rapid erosion of the Barrie Crescent Reserve.

Parents and staff were advised the centre is now permanently closed, after specialist advice of significant safety risk due to erosion.

Coastal engineers carried out testing which found over 9-thousand cubic metres of sand has washed from the coastline at accelerated rates.

Newcastle City Council says it will work with the childcare to allow safe removal of property before the building is demolished.

Council was advised the not-for-profit would vacate the site ten months before the lease agreement expires.

Newcastle Council CEO, Jeremy Bath, says Council will work with Mission Australia in the closure of the site.

"Both Mission Australia and the City’s independent coastal engineering advice highlight the significant safety risk from the continuing occupation of the building," he said.

“We’ll now take steps to ensure the safe removal of all existing equipment and personal contents before the structure is demolished and the site cleared".

Council says once the building is demolished, the former site on Barrie Crescent Reserve will be restored to a community recreational space.

Independent coastal engineering advice found a significant safety risk due to the accelerated erosion. Image: Mission Australia Early Learning Centre

Erosion Concerns at Jimmy's Beach

BY HANNAH-LOUISE ANDERSON AND CATHERINE ALLEN

The newly installed $4.1 million Sand Transfer System (STS) at Jimmy's Beach in Hawks Nest is experiencing technical difficulties and has ceased operating in the area.

Issues with its flow meter device have left the STS with pipe blockages and potential infrastructure exposure.

The device itself, originally designed to combat weather-induced erosion, was not a popular choice with local residents and members of the Winda Woppa Association who felt there were better ways to combat the sand degradation.

President of the Winda Woppa Association Ken Garrard says they need to work towards a more permanent solution.

"We have been talking to the council and all of the other stakeholders for some time now that the Sand Transfer System is purely a band-aid solution, that there is no proof that it will work, that we want a permanent solution." says Mr. Garrard, "We have even suggested what components might make a permanent solution, however, we haven't been successful in convincing anybody yet."

Mr. Garrard is calling on members of the community to pressurize local government and ensure that a long-term, permanent solution is found.

Photo by News of the Area

Work Begins on Stockton Seawall

BY MADELAINE MCNEILL

Construction on a sand container seawall to prevent further erosion of the coast has begun at Stockton.

17 Mega Geotextile Sand Containers will be put in place along the coast, using more than 10 thousand tonnes of sand and spanning around 100 metres in length.

Weather permitting, the seawall is expected to take around 12 weeks to complete and residents should be aware beach access will be restricted while the work is completed.

The seawall is designed to be a medium-term solution for the site and is expected to last between five and seven years.

Newcastle City Council is currently working with the state government to find a long term strategy for coastal erosion in the region.

Erosion has plagued Stockton's coast for over a decade. Image: The Herald

Labor Claim Government are Sitting on Crucial Erosion Funding for Stockton

BY LAUREN FREEMANTLE

Newcastle MP, Tim Crakanthorp is accusing the state government of hoarding funds set aside to address erosion while the Stockton community continues to suffer.

Figures from the Office of Environment and Heritage reveal only $2.6 million of a statewide $63 million funding package has been spent since it was announced in 2016.

Mr Crakanthorp says coastal erosion is being tackled at a snail's pace and Stockton Beach is missing out altogether.

"They've only spent 4% of that $63 million over the last two years," he explained, "after the government made a great fanfare in 2016 [announcing the Coastal and Estuary Grants Program] they just continue to ignore this issue. 

"Minister Gabriele Upton cannot continue to bury her head in the sand and hope the issue will simply disappear," the MP said. 

Tim Crakanthorp says at this rate, the government will have spent just 10% of all the funding promised over five years to fix erosion in areas like Stockton. 

However, the state government is defending its financial position. 

Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Scot MacDonald says there is a process in place, and we must take a cautious approach before assigning large sums of money. 

"It is reliant on Councils preparing their Coastal Management Plans," he explained, "so in regards to Stockton Beach, Newcastle City Council had a second go at preparing a plan, we went in to help them prepare that plan this time...

"That is now before the state government - if it is approved, accredited and certified, then Council will certainly gain access to [the $63 million fund]," Mr MacDonald said. 

Scot MacDonald also defended the Labor MP's criticism of Environment Minister Upton's response to the issue, saying he's in constant talks with the Minister, who is up-to-date with the current situation. 

Tim Crakanthorp plans to raise the financial debate in parliament next week, after securing 10,000 signatures on a petition from concerned residents earlier this year. 

Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp collecting 10,000 signatures. 

Community Rallies for Stockton With 10,000 Signatures

BY LAUREN FREEMANTLE

Stockton residents are today marking the collection of 10,000 signatures on a petition campaigning for an end to the coastal suburb's erosion crisis.

The milestone means Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp will have the opportunity to debate with the Environment Minister in state parliament for the second time.

It comes after $1 million in emergency money was granted by the NSW Government for Crown Lands to clean up the recently re-exposed former Stockton Tip site, however, the residents want to see a long-term solution.

Tim Crakanthorp says this issue has been dragging on for years and it's crucial the government acts now.

"It's so important now because this community is being threatened," he said, "we've got the Surf Club here in danger from storms and east coast lows, we've got Lexi's, we've got the Caravan Park, the Childcare Centre, a rubbish tip that's been unearthed...

"Crown Lands are finally coming to the party there - well they've missed the party," Mr Crakanthorp asserted, "this coast is under threat and people's houses will soon be under threat."

Cathy from the Stockton Community Action Group said everyone wants to see the beach saved, as many families have generations of history there.

"The whole community has been united in expressing their concern about the erosion and the damage to the beach, and there's quite a sense of urgency that something needs to be done soon before it disappears," she said.

"We're looking to the government to know what our concerns are and to commit funding, urgently, to save the beach," Cathy said.

Making Progress: Stockton activists Barbara, Simon and Cathy. 

Someone who understands that personal connection to Stockton is local activist Simon Jones.

"I grew up surfing here my whole life, and it hurts to see the beach the way it is now," he said.

Chair of the Stockton Community Liasion group, Barbara, said she's witnessed the beach's drastic decline.

"People like myself who've lived here for more than 60 years remember when we would come to the beach and walk way out," she said.

"We would walk through all kinds of scrub to get to the beach, which seemed to stretch endlessly - now it's disappearing."

Barbara said the Liaison group wants to see millions of tonnes of sand replenishment, possibly with a headland to be constructed in the future.

Tim Crakanthorp receives the final signatures to reach a 10,000 person milestone. 

Emergency Funding for Stockton Tip Cleanup

BY LAUREN FREEMANTLE

The former Stockton Tip Site is now set to be cleaned up properly, with a $1 million commitment of emergency funding announced today by the state government.

A weekend of large swells earlier this month worsened erosion issues, exposing rubbish which threatens to roll into the ocean.

Half of the site is managed by Hunter Water and the other by Crown Lands, complicating cleanup efforts and sparking calls for action from Newcastle Labor MP, Tim Crakanthorp.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter, Scot MacDonald said following Hunter Water's quick response, Crown Lands are now doing their part.

"Crown Lands is coming to the party now, we've got a million dollars of emergency funding to address what we can do in the short term about making it safe and identifying what rubbish we need to get away," Mr MacDonald said.

"Then we will continue the collaboration with Hunter Water and Newcastle Council for long term solutions," he concluded.

Council CEO Jeremy Bath issued a similar sentiment, saying "Council welcomes this funding from the NSW Government and we will continue to collaborate with their agencies to clean up this legacy site."

Works are expected to take two weeks to complete, weather permitting.

A resident inspects the debris uncovered by recent wild weather at Stockton. Image: Newcastle Star.