Stockton: Three sources of sand for beach renourishment

A solution to the coastal erosion issues plaguing Stockton is significantly closer to being realised with work carried out by NSW Government scientists identifying three sources of offshore sand for beach renourishment.

Deputy Premier and Minister responsible for resources, John Barilaro, today announced details about potentially suitable bodies of sand in the Stockton Bight; one located near the entrance to Newcastle Harbour and two located further east of the beach foreshore at Stockton.

“I promised we would deliver the necessary survey work to help find suitable sand in the area and the options announced today will now be reviewed by the City of Newcastle as part of its plan to tackle erosion at Stockton Beach,” Mr Barilaro said.

“These results follow a six-week exploration program carried out earlier this year and information about the options will be provided to the City of Newcastle Council to consider its next steps to improve the beach.

“During the survey, 91 surface samples and 44 core samples were retrieved from the seafloor and these were assessed for quality and suitability by scientists looking at factors such as sand size and colour.”

Mr Barilaro said that the exploration and survey techniques used to help save Stockton Beach could potentially be used in the future to protect and preserve other beaches and coastal areas in regional NSW affected by severe erosion.

“Exploration has provided us with this critical information that could help resolve decades of erosion issues at Stockton Beach, and it would be fantastic if this approach could be used to ensure other beaches can be enjoyed for many more years to come.”

If required, the NSW Government will be available to assist the City of Newcastle with further investigation into the options provided for sand replenishment.