STOCKTON'S beach crisis hit state parliament's question time on Tuesday as the government stood firm on its record in what Labor leader Jodi McKay branded "an unfolding crisis".
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
"It's a catastrophe for a community and she is doing nothing," Ms McKay said of the Premier and "ministers who keep pointing fingers at each other".
In a tense debate punctuated with heckles and jeers, Premier Gladys Berejiklian pointed to $142,000 given to City of Newcastle last year and the expertise of government departments as proof the government was tackling the problem.
Ms Berejiklian also drew on the Newcastle light rail project and "billions in infrastructure" in the Hunter in her riposte to an impassioned grilling from the Opposition.
"The government is onto it, we've been onto it for a while," Ms Berejiklian said of Stockton's woes.
Opposition Leader Jodi McKay and several Hunter Labor MPs interjected, with Charlestown MP Jodie Harrison asking if Sydney suburbs would be treated the same.
"This notion ... that we would ignore one part of NSW ahead of another is simply disgusting," she said.
While you're with us, did you know Newcastle Herald offers breaking news alerts, daily email newsletters and more? Keep up to date with all the local news - sign up here.
IN NEWS TODAY:
- Martins Creek quarry: Daracon shuts site after Land and Environment Court battle with Dungog Shire Council
- Port Stephens-Hunter police appeal for information over malicious damage to vehicle in Lawes Street, East Maitland
- One year old Zaylee Cambridge battles aggressive cancer after neuroblastoma diagnosis at John Hunter Children's Hospital
- Steel City 20 years on: Remembering the human toll | Picture gallery & Event details
- Stockton Beach erosion: Engineers studied Stockton sand movement in the 1970s as part of a project to relocate Newcastle Harbour