Ms Claydon said she sent the correspondence after meeting with the Stockton Community Group on Tuesday to discuss the "dire state" of Stockton Beach, which was once again battered in massive swells on the weekend.

Newcastle council is planning to engage in an unprecedented mass sand nourishment program via offshore sand mining as a solution to the erosion issue, and says it is looking to the state government to lead the way.

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"The cost of this solution is at least $21 million and so City of Newcastle is working with the NSW government on the necessary approvals to permit offshore sand mining and then to fund the initial $21 million cost of the work," the council said.

In a response to the Herald on Tuesday, a NSW Department of Planning and Environment spokesperson said "council, as the responsible land manager, determines when to submit applications for funding and when to undertake works at Stockton Beach".

"Newcastle City Council may apply for emergency works at Stockton Beach, as it has been identified as a significant open coast hazard location, if the works cannot wait until the next funding round opens," the spokesperson said.

But Ms Claydon said "importantly", only state and territory governments can apply for the Commonwealth funding.

"The problem is not going away. It's time for urgent action and I'm calling on the NSW government to deliver for our community," she said. "The continued erosion of Stockton Beach is having a devastating impact on residents who are feeling more and more vulnerable to disasters now.

"Coastal communities like Stockton are already living the shocking consequences of increased storms and extreme weather events... We can't leave them stranded."

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