Labor is preparing to shore up the future of Stockton Beach… if it claims victory in next month’s NSW Election.

Newcastle state MP Tim Crakanthorp and Shadow Minister for Local Government Greg Warren this week committed $21 million towards mass sand nourishment of the erosion-stricken coastline.

The pledge, made on Wednesday 8 February, will also see the party lead the recovery through a Memorandum of Understanding with City of Newcastle (CN), with Public Works NSW holding any required licences and approvals, breaking the current stalemate which has led to years of inaction.

“I, along with Labor leader Chris Minns, promised the people of Stockton that we would present our guarantee, prior to the election on 25 March,” Mr Crakanthorp said.

“And, today, we’re delivering on that vow.

“For too long this project has been caught up in bureaucracy, but a 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.

“So, I’m thrilled to say that we’ll fix this.

“The Stockton community has waited long enough under this Liberal government.”

CN’s Stockton Coastal Management Plan recommended mass sand nourishment to address the erosion issue.

If Labor wins, funding and works will follow after the existing $6.2 million project to dredge sand from the entry of the harbour is concluded.

The party is also seeking a contribution from the Port of Newcastle towards the undertaking.

Labor’s commitment follows a lengthy 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

“This is a big win for Stockton Beach and the entire community,” Mr Warren said.

“Tim, 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.

“An NSW Labor government will work with City of Newcastle and its staff to save our beaches being washed away, protect infrastructure and public and private properties.”

Meanwhile, Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes welcomed the announcement.

“It demonstrates the commitment of Labor to resolving ongoing erosion issues caused by the Stockton breakwater, which is owned by the NSW Government,” she said.

“Mass sand nourishment is the outcome preferred by the community and endorsed through the 2020 Coastal Management Program.

“So, this is the most significant commitment yet towards that outcome.”

In October 2022, the NSW Government was successful in obtaining a $6.2 million grant through the Coastal and Estuarine Risk Mitigation Program, which includes $4.7 million from the federal Government and $1.5 million from council.

CN’s executive director planning and environment Michelle Bisson said mass sand nourishment remained the long-term solution to protecting the state government-owned Stockton Beach.

“The long-term plan is to secure the 2.4 million cubic metres of sand needed for initial mass nourishment, as outlined in the Stockton Coastal Management Program endorsed by the NSW Government in 2020,” she added.

Council committed $27.5 million to respond to the immediate risks to Stockton’s coastline in the 2020 Coastal Management Program with $9.5 million already invested.

In 2022, CN progressed the design work for sand placement and anticipates having the associated environmental approvals finalised over the next few months.

The plans are informed by the most recent sand movement study and will ensure that sand sourced for Stockton is placed in the most effective location.

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