Stockton Rubbish Rises to the Surface

BY TYLER FARDELL

The huge swell and strong winds which battered Newcastle's coastline over the past weeks has uncovered a dirty secret in Stockton.

Over the weekend, much of the Stockton sand dunes close to the water were eroded away, revealing a disgusting sight for many locals who visit the area.

Currently, signs are in place to deter away any visitors as representatives from Newcastle City Council, Hunter Water and the Environment Protection Authority met today at the site to discuss the clean-up.

Many community members are worried the situation could get worse if the rubbish isn't cleaned up before another big swell hits and erodes more of the sandbank away, which has already collapsed in some places.

Keiran Smith from Hunter Water says they're looking to fix the situation as quick as they can.

"Today we're meeting with Council and the EPA to get this mess sorted out", he said. "We need to hire a licensed contractor to fix the site.

The site of the rubbish is on the land of Hunter Water so they'll be taking the lead of the cleanup.

"Our immediate focus is to make the site safe so that includes signage and security", Mr Smith said.

Rubbish along Stockton Beach
Photo source; NBN News

Coastal Management Plan a No-Go.

BY DANIELLE RIES

A solution for Stockton beach erosion concerns have stalled after it's been revealed the State Government's Office of Environment and Heritage has knocked back Newcastle City's Council Council Management Plan.

The plan needs to be certified in order for the council access state government funding for the projects contained within the document suggested which can help the erosion issues.

A meeting held last night saw around 120 community members gathered to discuss possible ways the erosion issues can be minimized.

Some of the solutions discussed include constructed sea walls, artificial headlands and artificial reefs to groynes, dredging, as well as sand scraping and sand bypassing.

Along with members of the community, members of the Council and State Government were in attendance to also give their points of view on the subject matter.

Save Stockton Beach Member Simon Jones says it's disappointing the plan wasn't approved.

"It's definitely a setback, hopefully only a minor one".

He continues by stating its pivotal to stay in touch with the state government going ahead in the future.

"It's very important to work with the state government to rectify this issue. There the ones that hold all the power to not only fund it but to also approve any works that need to go ahead".

The way the community all came together to support this issue was wonderful Simon expresses.

"The point of the meeting last night was to get the community together with the council and the state government just to air our concerns and try and get on the same page".

"The main event of the night was just the community coming together and everybody basically have the same sort of issues which is 'why hasn't anything been done', and it's really good to see that people are passionate about this issue".

Simon Jones observing the current erosion of Stockton Beach
Credit- Queensland Country Life.

Stockton Beach Is Disappearing!

BY IAN CROUCH

It's feared Stockton Beach is disappearing as big swells erode the shoreline.

Remnants of the former Stockton Colliery were unearthed by the erosion which have since been washed away.

Local surfers say the sand level on parts of the beach have dropped by as much as two metres since the big swell moved in on August 20.

Residents say a permanent solution is needed other wise the beach could simply disappear.

Stockton Beach Is Washing Away picture: the herald.com.au