Posted on December 3, 2025
As rehabilitation efforts progress to fix erosion damage along Stockton Beach, local officials plan to do what has never been done in the state before.
The Stockton Special Advisory Panel (SSAP) met for the final time for the year this week, covering the finalisation of the $6.2 million Coastal and Estuarine Risk Mitigation Program (CERMP).
Upcoming works were also discussed, which are funded by the $21.5 million investment from the NSW Government.
Phase three of the project is expected to begin shortly, involving the application for an offshore mining licence, which is a first for NSW.
Once the accreditation’s approved, the third stage will be fully-initiated.
It will focus on putting out a tender for dredging works, awarding the contract and finally delivering mass sand nourishment.
The first Stockton Coastal Management Program was certified in 2020 and recently extended by the Minister for Environment.
The first phase of the venture was delivered in October and November 2023 and included the initial beach nourishment of 130,000 cubic meters of sand.
The second stage saw several ecological assessments and the process of attaining necessary approvals, licences and permits for mass rejuvenation works.
The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water contracted GHD to complete a Review of Environmental Factors.
A total of $740,000 was saved during this phase, due to the project no longer requiring an Environmental Impact Statement.
State officials confirmed the remainder of the money would be reinvested back into the program.
SSAP chair and Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp said it was a major achievement.
“Getting the environmental assessments completed on time and under budget is a huge milestone for Stockton Beach,” he explained.
“We are now moving onto securing a mining licence for dredging.
“While approval times vary from project to project, this dredge is about community safety and environmental protection.
“Once the application is submitted, I will be writing to the Minister to push for this project to expedited.”
The venture is jointly-funded by City of Newcastle and the state government.
Deputy Lord Mayor Charlotte McCabe said the finalisation was a major step forward for Stockton Beach.
“This achievement reflects the strength of collaboration between City of Newcastle, the NSW Government and the Commonwealth, working together to deliver practical solutions for coastal resilience,” she stated.
“Through council’s Extended Stockton Coastal Management Program, we’re committed to ensuring the future of Stockton remains safe and sustainable for generations to come.”
