$21 Million Needed For Long-Term Stockton Solution

BY OLIVIA DILLON

A funding short-fall is the latest spanner in the works to re-nourish Stockton Beach. 

The Coastal Management Plan estimates at least an extra $21 million is needed before long term sand re-nourishment can occur. 

After announcing on Monday, NSW Public Works would take over the short-term dredging project, Deputy Premier Paul Toole said the body would work with the commonwealth and council to minimise costs. 

While City of Newcastle and The Greens are in support of a break-wall levy to fund the ongoing works, both Labor and the Coalition have ruled it out. 

While council maintains the NSW government should be the one to take key action in relation to the plan, discussions continue over which government agency will take majority responsibility of the project.

NSW Government To Pay For Stockton Beach Sand Replenishment

 BY IAN CROUCH

The state government is set to foot much of the bill for sand dredging to replenish the eroded Stockton Beach.

Deputy Premier, John Barilaro has announced the results of a geological survey, which identified three offshore sources of sand; one located near the entrance to Newcastle Harbour and two further east of the beach foreshore at Stockton.

Data from a 6 week exploration program will now go to Newcastle Council so it can assess the options and submit a Development Application for a Mining Licence

Newcastle MP, Tim Crakanthorp says it's also good to hear the government offering whatever resources are needed to help council get sand back onto the beach.

"That new data now goes to City of Newcastle to inform their next step, and they'll need to apply for a licence to enable sand dredging. And even better news, the Deputy Premier's offered whatever finance and resources to help push this along," he said. 

Picture: vesseloperations.org