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Stockton team deemed an essential service

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City of Newcastle’s Stockton Coastal Management Program (CMP) team has been recognised as an essential service.

The team, which is a part of the council’s Stockton Erosion Response, will continue to work remotely through any government-directed lockdown in response to COVID-19.

It has been fast-tracked in a bid to meet Local Government Minister Shelley Hancock’s shortened deadline of 30 June 2020.

Despite the challenges brought by COVID-19, Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes is engaging with the Stockton Community Liaison Group online.

“With projects on hold or delayed across the state, there had been some concern from the Stockton community about how COVID-19 would affect our ability to deliver a CMP by the shortened deadline,” Cr Nelmes said.

“We reiterated today that, despite the enormous challenges we’re facing as a community, Stockton remains a key priority for City of Newcastle.

“The team delivering our CMP will continue to work as an essential service should the Federal or State Government direct the community into lockdown.”

She added that Stockton’s CMP was expected to focus primarily on sand nourishment, along with the protection of public and private assets.

“The message is clear from the Stockton community,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Return a sandy beach that locals and visitors can enjoy and manage our natural coastal environment in a way that reduces risk and keeps the community’s way of life.

“Our Stockton team is reviewing all previous options.

“However, there’s really only one way to deliver on this call from the community and that’s to complete a CMP focused primarily on beach amenity and reducing risk that will meet the demands of the State Government’s certification requirements.

“We will be looking for community feedback in mid-May during the public exhibition period.”

The draft Stockton Coastal Management Program will be placed on a 28-day public exhibition from Wednesday 13 May, providing the community an opportunity to have their say on the long-term plan to manage coastal erosion.

Due to restrictions on public gatherings caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, City of Newcastle will continue to engage online and via the post.

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