The Deputy Premier's Stockton Beach Taskforce will meet on Wednesday in what Newcastle council hopes will bring a promise of funding for ongoing sand replenishment.
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The meeting comes after this month's wild storms again lashed the erosion-prone beach, prompting renewed calls for government action from residents.
Newcastle lord mayor Nuatali Nelmes said she was hoping the meeting would bring confirmation of state government funding, with at least $21 million required for initial mass sand nourishment.
Four different management options were assessed including an artificial reef, an artificial headland, sand back passing, and maintenance sand nourishment.
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Mass sand nourishment was identified in the Stockton Coastal Management Program 2020, with an initial 2.4 million cubic metres of sand needed, followed by regular top ups of about 146,000 cubic metres, to maintain the coastline buffer and to provide amenity for the community.
Cr Nelmes said the council was also hoping for the state government to act on the approvals required to move sand back onto Stockton Beach.
"We appreciate the work undertaken by the state government to identify offshore sand sources suitable for replenishing sand on Stockton Beach and the commitment by the former Deputy Premier to fund the work required for a mining licence for offshore sand extraction," she said.
Council said it had provided the government with a report detailing several possible planning pathways and technical studies that may be needed to support the approval process, including possible environmental assessments.
"City of Newcastle has asked the state government to review this document and confirm if the offshore sand extraction is a regional or state significant project and the associated planning approvals required to ensure sand is returned to Stockton Beach," Cr Nelmes said.
The Stockton Beach taskforce, which was established by former Deputy Premier John Barilaro and brings together government agencies, council representatives and community members, was forced to put meetings on temporary hiatus last year due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Mr Toole said in December he was "eager to see the taskforce continue to meet" and his department had "identified three potential sources of offshore sand in Stockton Bight for beach nourishment".
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