The plans to extend the Stockton Coastal Management Program (CMP) received a unanimous “yes” at this week’s council meeting.

City of Newcastle (CN) will now seek the final tick of approval from the NSW Environment Minister for the $63 million project to prevent further erosion.

The extended CMP covers a geographical area stretching from Little Beach to the Port Stephens Local Government Area (LGA) boundary.

It contains 79 management actions, including beach nourishment, sand management activities and the development of a coastal monitoring and decision-making support system.

It’ll also implement an urgent interim coastline protection works for critical assets like the Mitchell Street seawall.

The cost of the project will total about $63 million over the next decade, with the main source of funds coming from local council and the state government.

CN is expected to invest $25 million into its delivery, most of which will be directed towards the construction of coastal protection structures to mitigate immediate risks.

The NSW Government’s earmarked to contribute approximately $35 million, which includes its $21.5 million election commitment for mass sand nourishment.

However, this is not scheduled to occur until the 2027/28 and 2028/29 financial years.

CN’s executive director of planning and environment Michelle Bisson admitted it was a significant milestone in the long-term protection and enhancement of Stockton’s coastline.

“The adoption of this extended CMP establishes a clear pathway for the delivery of mass sand nourishment supported by regular sand top-ups, which has been identified as the most feasible, viable and acceptable long-term solution, and has received overwhelming community support,” she said.

“It also includes vital short-term actions for the urgent protection of critical public assets in Stockton.

“The CMP, developed in collaboration with the community and government agencies, is the culmination of many years of hard work by the project team and advocacy from the Stockton Community Liaison Group.

“We now look forward to receiving certification from the NSW Minister for the Environment, which is a crucial step to unlock grant funding eligibility and streamline approval pathways for critical protection works.”

Ms Bisson said the delay meant the construction and renewal of expensive coastal protection structures itemised in the CMP, which are necessary to protect critical public assets in the short term, were likely to be required before mass sand nourishment was delivered.

“This sets 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,” she explained.

Community engagement played a crucial role in shaping the final plan, with 90% of respondents supporting ongoing sand top-ups as well as mass sand nourishment during the public exhibition period.

A petition with 1,233 signatures also underscored the strong community desire for a holistic sand nourishment policy.

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