Eighty thousand truck movements over six years would be required to deliver enough sand to replace what has been lost through erosion.
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The state government has advised City of Newcastle the intensive trucking operation, which would cost an estimated $52 million, is the only lawful option under the current legislation for the beach's replenishment.
Nevertheless, a Department of Planning, Industry and Environment representative advised a recent meeting of the Stockton Community Liaison Group to pursue the project.
The council has rejected the advice and called on the state government to reform the existing legislation that prevents offshore sand from being used for beach renourishment.
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"Around 500 truck movements deposited 5,500 tonnes on the southern part of Stockton Beach before Christmas. That 10-day operation would be dwarfed by the 1455 workdays needed to ferry in 500,000 cubic metres required to replenish the beach," Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said.
"We were shocked to hear this recommendation from a senior government official but ran the numbers anyway. While this trucking half-a-million cubic metres of sand may be legal, it would cost around $52.2 million and require 80,000 truck movements along Stockton's streets over six years."
Council staff began sandbagging on Friday morning to reinforce existing erosion control works at Barrie Crescent in preparation of expected large seas over the weekend.
An estimated 45 tonnes of sand was used in the sandbagging operation.
Matthew Kelly
Matthew Kelly has worked as a journalist for more than 25 years. He has been working as a general reporter at the Newcastle Herald since 2018. In recent years he has reported on subjects including environment, energy, water security, manufacturing and higher education. He has previously covered issues including the health and environmental impacts of uncovered coal wagons in the Hunter Valley, the pollution of legacy of former industrial sites and freedom of information issues.
Matthew Kelly has worked as a journalist for more than 25 years. He has been working as a general reporter at the Newcastle Herald since 2018. In recent years he has reported on subjects including environment, energy, water security, manufacturing and higher education. He has previously covered issues including the health and environmental impacts of uncovered coal wagons in the Hunter Valley, the pollution of legacy of former industrial sites and freedom of information issues.
