A key environmental review for Stockton Beach has been completed, advancing plans for mass sand nourishment to address severe erosion. The review of environmental factors, a vital document, has been finalized, marking a significant milestone in the long-running battle to protect the beach.
Newcastle State MP Tim Crakanthorp described the completion as a 'huge development,' noting it concludes all environmental assessments. University of Newcastle Professor Ron Boyd, a member of the Stockton Special Advisory Panel, said the document's thousand-plus pages provide sufficient detail for the project to proceed with adequate environmental safeguards, eliminating the need for a separate environmental impact study.
Professor Boyd acknowledged there is still a long way to go, with issues such as the outstanding sand mining license and a tender process to complete before mass sand nourishment can begin. He estimated it may be 'weeks to months away' but could be delivered by the end of the year, as promised at the last election, with just nine months left before the next one.
The environmental review is based on technical, environmental, and heritage investigations assessing impacts on the seabed, marine ecology, coastal processes, underwater cultural heritage, maritime traffic, local roads, and the community. It includes mitigation measures for potential impacts. Mr. Crakanthorp called it 'a massive step closer to getting sand back on the beach,' emphasizing it is a first for NSW and a collaborative project across all levels of government.
The Stockton Special Advisory Panel will meet next in July. Meanwhile, the City of Newcastle is continuing work on a $5 million upgrade of the Mitchell Street sea wall, bolstering the 600-meter structure with 8,500 tonnes of rock to reduce inundation risk during extreme weather.
