NSW Government Urged to Address Stockton Coastal Erosion

The NSW Government is being urged to take ownership of a holistic strategy that will buffer Stockton's coastline from erosion, following a meeting of the Stockton Community Liaison Group this week.

The City of Newcastle has been working with the NSW Government and the community to deliver mass sand nourishment as part of the 2020 Stockton Coastal Management Program (CMP), which outlines actions to manage, maintain, and preserve the coast between the northern breakwater of the Hunter River and Meredith Street, Stockton.

An extended CMP, which broadens the geographical area from the northern end of Stockton Beach to the Port Stephens Local Government Area boundary, will be considered at this month's Ordinary Council Meeting before being placed on public exhibition for community comment.

City of Newcastle Executive Director Planning & Environment Michelle Bisson said the extended CMP will establish a pathway for the delivery, funding and maintenance of mass sand nourishment, while simultaneously planning and delivering urgent protection works for critical public assets in the short-term.

"We've welcomed the partnership and ongoing support of the NSW Government to deliver amenity sand nourishment via $4.7 million in grant funding from the Federal Government and another $1.5 million from City of Newcastle," Ms Bisson said.

"But it is crucial we continue to plan for the long-term future of this coastal community, which has already seen the devastating impacts of erosion.

The Extended Stockton CMP will set a long-term strategy to offset the impacts of the NSW Government-owned Newcastle Harbour infrastructure, including the entrance breakwaters and artificially deepened navigational channel.

"We're seeking a commitment from the NSW Government to deliver on their $21 million election commitment from 2021 and take the lead on a number of sand nourishment related actions that will ensure a holistic management approach and the seamless delivery and maintenance of mass sand nourishment.

"Delivering the CMP is a complex process, and each action outlined in the plan needs to be championed and funded to be eligible for certification as per the Coastal Management Act 2016."

A new Stockton Special Advisory Panel, to be chaired by State Member for Newcastle, Tim Crakanthorp, was announced by the NSW Government in November 2024.

Stockton Community Liaison Group Chair Barbara Whitcher said that while the initial sand amenity has been beneficial, it is crucial the long-term strategy is committed to by the NSW Government.

"The work undertaken by the City of Newcastle and the NSW Government to date has been fantastic in helping to restore sand amenity to Stockton Beach," Ms Whitcher said.

"But it is clear that there is still so much more to be done to solve Stockton's coastal erosion issues.

"The 2023 election commitment of $21 million, secured by the Member for Newcastle, Tim Crakanthorp, was greatly welcomed by the Stockton community. After the initial mass sand nourishment, it is essential that there is a long-term strategy for keeping sand on Stockton beach. This is a State Government responsibility.

"We trust that the new Stockton Special Advisory Panel will support taking ownership of key actions under the Extended CMP."

The draft Extended Stockton CMP steps out an expanded list of management actions that support the long-term strategy of mass sand nourishment outlined in the 2020 Stockton CMP.

To ensure certification of a CMP, all actions contained within the program must be allocated to an appropriate agency with funding.