Newcastle Council and Stockton Community Brace For Big Swells

BY ISABEL EVERETT

Stockton's coastline is expected to take a battering of the next few days, with the Bureau of Meteorology predicting a low-pressure system will hit the Hunter's coast line on Tuesday and Wednesday.

The system is likely to bring heavy rain, strong winds and large waves, with Newcastle Council putting safety measures in place, particularity in areas highly affected by erosion like Stockton. 

Surf and swell conditions are expected to be hazardous for swimming, surfing and rock fishing for all Newcastle beaches and both ocean bathes starting Tuesday until Friday. 

Newcastle Council will close beach access ways in Stockton and current traffic controls in place at Barrie Crescent and Mitchell Street will be reinforced.

Closures at Barrie Crescent, Mitchell Street, Stone Street Corner and Griffiths Road may be implemented depending on weather conditions. 

"The direction of the swell tends to be the defining factor I think in how much erosion we get in Stockton and how much erosion occurs," Save Stockton Beach Member, Simon Jones said. 

"The swell that's forecast for the next couple of days is coming from a South Easterly direction, and basically anything that comes out of the East will cause a significant amount of damage to the more Southern areas of Stockton, which are the areas that are already the most eroded."

"So this event certainly has the capacity to cause some damage."

Mr Jones said previously, big swells have resulted in significant clean up operations along Stockton's Coast. 

"More and more lately we're losing a lot of trees at the back of the beach, which are getting washed down onto the escarpment," Mr Jones said. 

"Also in the past there's been a lot of rock and other debris dumped in or behind the dunes, and we sometimes get contaminated stuff washing out the back of the beach when the erosion cuts into more of the escarpment. "

Newcastle Council is urging the community to follow safety warnings, abide by all road closures, and drive safely in the forecast extreme weather conditions.  

"Coastal erosion can change beach conditions dramatically and quickly. This can lead to sand cliff collapses without warning," Newcastle Council said in a statement. 

Image Source: The Guardian

Council Adopts Fern Bay and North Stockton Vision, Includes New Ferry Terminal and Coastal Walk

BY DAKOTA TAIT

A planning strategy adopted by Newcastle and Port Stephens Councils will see a new town centre and ferry terminal built in North Stockton and a coastal walk installed from Stockton to the Tomaree Headland. 

The  Fern Bay and North Stockton Strategy  is a 20-year blueprint for the rapidly growing area between the Hunter River and Stockton Beach and was guided by early engagement with the Fern Bay community and a workshop with Councillors from both Newcastle and Port Stephens.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes says the strategy will see Newcastle and Port Stephens work together to develop diverse housing opportunities, public spaces and community amenities.

“Developed by both Newcastle and Port Stephens councils, the joint strategy is a fantastic outcome after a great deal of work and forms a strategic planning basis to follow along with landowners and the broader Stockton community,” Cr Nelmes said.

In addition to the overarching changes, the strategy will see the development of a new supermarket, new accommodation services, and the revitalization of roads, paths, and bus stops, including a duplication of Nelson Bay Road with traffic lights at the intersection of Vardon Road. 

Port Stephens Mayor Ryan Palmer said the collaboration between the two councils and their consultation with local residents would result in a "great outcome for these communities".

“The creation of more housing, access to better facilities and more transport options will ensure this town truly thrives," said Mayor Palmer.

“It’s been a wonderfully successful collaboration between our Port Stephens Council and City of Newcastle teams, and we’ll continue to work together on the best outcomes for the Fern Bay North Stockton communities into the future.”