WHILE Council has plans on exhibition and is seeking community feedback on what is hoped to be the long term solution for erosion at Stockton Beach, there is some good news.

The NSW Government has provided more than $768,000 to the City of Newcastle Council under the 2020-2021 Coastal and Estuary Grants Program.

Minister for Local Government Shelley Hancock congratulated Council on successfully acquiring three grants that will assist them in dealing with coastal erosion issues at Stockton Beach.

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“This funding will enable Council to investigate the suitability and feasibility of delivering sand dredged from the South Arm of the Hunter River estuary to potentially deliver mass sand nourishment at Stockton Beach,” Mrs Hancock said.

The approved grants also include emergency funding under the Government’s Significant Open Hazard Locations stream following erosion events that impacted Stockton Beach last year.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Taylor Martin said the Berejiklian Government is committed to supporting the City of Newcastle in their efforts to manage their coastlines.

“This funding is yet another investment in Stockton as we work with the Council to shore up the coastline and protect our communities,” Mr Martin said.

“The NSW Government has made the Coastal and Estuary Grants Program available to support local Council’s manage their local coasts and I am glad that Newcastle Council has taken this opportunity to apply for funding and take the next steps to protect Stockton Beach.”

There are currently five funding streams under the Coastal and Estuary Grants Program.

One stream is for planning and studies, while the other four are for implementing works identified in certified coastal or estuary management plans.

“Councils are encouraged to apply for funding to undertake planning and studies at any time during the year, while applications for funding to implement works are available annually,” Mrs Hancock said.

The grant program aims to help manage risks from coastal hazards, such as coastal erosion, restore degraded coastal habitats and improve the health of estuaries, wetlands and littoral rainforests across New South Wales.

By Marian SAMPSON