A Minns Labor Government will shore up the future of Stockton Beach with $21 million committed to mass sand nourishment of the erosion-stricken coastline.
The commitment will also see a Labor Government lead the recovery through a Memorandum of Understanding with Newcastle Council, with Public Works NSW holding any required licences and approvals, breaking the current stalemate which has led to years of inaction.
City of Newcastle’s Stockton Coastal Management Plan recommended mass sand nourishment to address the erosion issue. Labor will allocate the required $21 million to ensure this happens. Funding and works will follow after the existing $6.2 million project to dredge sand from the entry of the harbour is concluded.
NSW Labor will also be seeking a contribution from the Port of Newcastle towards to project.
Under a Labor Government the Stockton Beach Taskforce will also meet on a regular basis to ensure that the project remains on track.
NSW Labor’s commitment follows a long history of advocacy to progress works on the beach, including:
- Working with the community to secure 10,000 signatures on a petition to have the issue debated in the NSW Parliament
- Successfully lobbying for the support of the former Deputy Premier to progress the studies and surveys required to identify sand sources
- Securing the establishment of the Stockton Beach Taskforce to work with stakeholders and community to progress mass sand nourishment
Greg Warren MP, Shadow Minister for Local Government said:
“This is a big win for Stockton Beach and the entire community of Stockton.
“Tim Crakanthorp, the wonderful Member for Newcastle and I, have worked tirelessly to develop a plan to save Stockton Beach and restore it to its former glory.
“For far too long, this Government has ignored the needs of Stockton. A NSW Labor Government will work with Newcastle City Council to save our beaches being washed away, protect infrastructure and public and private properties.”
“This is another example of how NSW Labor will deliver for the people of Newcastle.”
Tim Crakanthorp MP, Member for Newcastle said:
“Chris Minns and I promised the people of Stockton that we would present our commitment prior to the election and today we deliver on that promise.
“For too long this project has been caught up in bureaucracy, but a NSW Labor Government will see the talk stop and the work begin.
“Getting sand back on Stockton Beach has been a long-time focus of mine, and I am thrilled to say that a Labor Government will fix this.
“The Stockton community has waited long enough under this Liberal Government, and only NSW Labor will get it done.”