Work is set to commence in the coming weeks on construction of a buried protection structure at the southern end of the existing Mitchell Street seawall in Stockton.
The protection structure is the first of three planned structures that will shield vulnerable sections of Stockton’s coastline in the event of large swells, significantly reducing the chances of erosion and loss of public and private land.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said that she was looking forward to seeing this promised next stage of onshore works at Stockton underway.
“These works are an important part of City of Newcastle’s (CN) $27.5 million investment at Stockton since the adoption of our Coastal Management Plan in 2020, with $9.5 million invested so far,” Cr Nelmes said.
CN’s Executive Director City Infrastructure Joanne Rigby, said that the structure will consist of underground vertical concrete piles that extend from street level to 8.5m below ground. Once constructed, only the top of the round beams will be visible at ground level.
“The design of the structure considers its ability to address erosion from storm events, as well as long-term beach recession. It also considers the requirement to protect public assets at high-risk,” Ms Rigby said.
“We are also making progress on repairs to damage from past erosion events at the King Street breakwater and expect construction to be completed next month.”
CN has continued regular liaison with the Worimi Registered Aboriginal Parties to ensure current and future works respect the significance of the Stockton coastline to the Worimi people and protects their heritage.
The buried protection structures and emergency works complement the longer-term strategy of mass sand nourishment. CN has already undertaken significant work to understand the cause of erosion and beach recession, and gain community support for an evidence-based solution in close collaboration with the Stockton community.
The draft Extended Stockton Coastal Management Program (CMP) is in development and steps out an expanded list of management actions that support the long-term strategy of mass sand nourishment outlined in the 2020 Stockton CMP, and broadens the geographical area covered to include the northern end of Stockton Beach from Meredith Street to the Port Stephens Local Government Area boundary.
