Deputy Premier John Barilario will lead a new taskforce of government agencies and council representatives who will work collaboratively to fix Stockton's erosion crisis.
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"The taskforce is about bringing everyone together so we can get the one focused approach to getting a solution," Mr Barilaro said after inspecting the Stockton foreshore on Wednesday morning.
"We all know governments work in silos. We all know there are differing views and opinions within government. My job is to bring that all together. This is not a taskforce that I want to see last for years, it's about immediate action and it's also about what is the medium to long-term plan."
The lack of coordination between government and council regarding the handling of the erosion crisis has led to significant community frustration over the past 12 months.
The taskforce's membership and a timeline for outcomes are yet to be announced.
The taskforce will also consider options to fund long-term solutions for Stockton
"Part of the work of the taskforce and part of the work that I have to do in government will be to work out what are the immediate costs and what are the long-term programs you can put in place so that no longer will you have to go cap in hand to governments to find a solution. We need to give the community certainty about the long-term," Mr Barilaro said.
"At then end of the day what price do you put on the loss of amenity for a community that rightly and justifiably not only has a right to live where they do but also to enjoy the amenity that they always have."
Mr Barilaro, who is resources minister, has also directed his agency to identify sand that would be suitable for the replenishment of Stockton Beach.
"I think that is important because what I don't want to be blamed later, when we get through the planning process, for another process that my agency needs to get through in relation to resolving this issue," he said.
Newcastle lord mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the taskforce was a major step forward. "This is a multi-faceted approach to a complex issue that has pervaded Stockton and the wider community for many, many decades. Today's announcement is a giant step forward and it is welcomed with open arms with gratitude by the City of Newcastle," she said.
Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp welcomed the bipartisan breakthrough.
"I want to thank John Barilaro for his commitment to a taskforce that will really move this issue ahead. It's about working together to get a solution for the people of this great city," he said.
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