THE identification of sand suitable for replenishing crippled Stockton beach has been welcomed as a step forward by civic leaders, but frustration remains in the community about the ongoing erosion crisis.
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The Newcastle Herald revealed on Wednesday that it had identified three potential sources of sand suitable for the beach.
Announcing the results of the offshore survey conducted earlier this year, deputy premier John Barilaro vowed to fund a "chunk" of the replenishment costs should Newcastle council be successful in obtaining a mining licence.
The council applying for the licence would be unprecedent in NSW but Mr Barilaro said the state government would "hold their hand" through the process.
Newcastle lord mayor Nautali Nelmes welcomed that pledge and said the council would now assess the survey data and soon meet with the deputy premier.
"Mass sand nourishment is the community's preferred option for managing beach erosion at Stockton and was one of the management actions approved under our Coastal Management Program," she said.
"There's still significant work to be done before mass sand is returned to Stockton beach including the approval of a DA for offshore sand mining, something that has never previously been permitted.
"We are thankful a solution for Stockton's erosion problems is a step closer and look to the state to lead us on this path towards obtaining mass sand nourishment."
The council is developing an updated CMP with an aim of identifying additional coastal management options that would extend the life of mass sand nourishment.
These could include maintenance nourishment, an artificial headland, reef or sand back passing.
Stockton resident of more than 40 years Tom Wynn believes such measures will be needed to ensure any mass nourishment project isn't a futile exercise.
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Assessing the beach's condition on Thursday, he said it was a sad sight to see.
"It's honestly a shocking state of affairs," he said.
"So much of the beach is just non-existent. There is a small bit in the corner down near the surf club.
"The homes along the road at the beachfront have only got the distance of a road now, and if it wasn't for the rock wall they would be falling into the ocean.
"We've lost road, we've lost buildings, we've lost beach.
"It's just a slow process of watching Stockton disintegrate."
Asked to reflect on a photo of the beach from the early 1990s and describe its current condition, Mr Wynn said most people who had moved into the suburb in recent years would have no idea of the "once beautiful beach".
"If they've only moved here in the last five years, they would just accept what we have now," he said.
"Having lived here for 40 years, we know what is missing. It is a crying shame to see so much of the frontage just wash away."
While Mr Wynn was skeptical of whether a long-term solution would ever eventuate, Stockton real estate agent Lucas Gresham said the identification of suitable sand was a genuine milestone and step forward.
He said the deputy premier's commitment to help find and fund a solution was commendable.
"It's been a long time coming, I understand no process is ever straightforward and there's always hiccups," he said. "But finally things are looking very, very positive.
"We are all very positive about the direction and finally feel as though things are progressing and the future is looking brighter.
"By what Barilaro has done so far, we have no need to feel as though he will not stick to his word this time and we welcome his further input and backing of the direction and future of Stockton."
Newcastle state MP Tim Crakanthorp was equally thankful and said the survey results would help the Stockton taskforce move forward.
"While it always seemed likely that the appropriate sand would be on our doorstep, not all sand is created equal and analysis was required to ensure that replacement sand was appropriate so it would not quickly wash off the beach," he said.
"I thank the Stockton community for their patience while this necessary work has been undertaken.
"When I approached Mr Barilaro last year and asked for his help he told me that he would come through with the goods and today he has. I am extremely grateful for his offer to assist with finances and resources to enable offshore nourishment of Stockton beach to proceed."
Newcastle council released a report last year which said it would cost $21 million for an initial replenishment program then $12 million every decade to keep sand on the beach.