City of Newcastle Council has been forced to close access to some local beaches following damage caused by a weekend of high tides and powerful surf conditions.
The move comes just days ahead of a meeting of the NSW Deputy Premier’s Taskforce, where discussions on mass sand nourishment sources for local beaches is on the agenda.
“City of Newcastle has supported the NSW Government’s application for funding for Stockton Beach nourishment under the Federal Government’s Coastal and Estuarine Risk Mitigation Program,” Council said in a statement.
“The total cost of a long-term solution to coastal erosion is estimated at $27.5 million and will require the approval of a licence to mine sand offshore.”
It says the initial volume of sand required to replenish Stockton Beach is around 2.4 million cubic metres or the equivalent of 960 Olympic sized swimming pools.
Newcastle’s southern beaches, particularly Bar Beach, were significantly stripped of sand leaving a large drop off between the sea wall and the promenade due to the recent weather events.
“Beach accessways at Merewether, Bar Beach and Dixon Park have been closed due to the safety of access ramps and stairs,” Council said.
Council staff are conducting daily inspections across the southern beaches to ensure public safety and to finalise plans for repair work.
“At Stockton Beach, waves overtopped some sections of the coastline including the Kyowa rock bag structures at Barrie Crescent, the Mitchell Street Seawall at Flint Street and some of the beach dune and accessways at Meredith and Beeston Streets and the Stockton Holiday Park.”
“Several beach accessways remain closed at Stockton until beach conditions improve and repair works are completed. There has been no reported impact to private property in Stockton,” Council said.
The Deputy Premier’s Taskforce is scheduled to meet on 23 June.
