A PLAN to protect and improve the coastline from Fingal Bay to Stockton Beach has been certified by the State Minister for the Environment, marking a significant milestone for Port Stephens Council.
Council’s Coastal Management Program (CMP) is a long-term strategy to address coastal hazards, safeguard community assets, and increase resilience to climate change.
The CMP covers the open coastline from Fingal Bay to Stockton Beach, the outer port east of Soldiers Point, and the inner port west of Soldiers Point.
It identifies coastal issues in these areas and sets out a timeline to implement required actions.
“This certified program outlines 67 management actions, with Council directly delivering 61 projects to reduce erosion, replenish sand, protect biodiversity, maintain public access, and enhance water quality,” a Council spokesperson said.
“Management actions mitigate the effects of coastal erosion during normal conditions and severe weather to protect our community assets such as public boat ramps, coastal roads, and foreshore pathways.”
Sandbagging and native planting operations are ongoing in many beaches, such as Shoal Bay and Corlette Beach, to trap sand and form natural resilient barriers against heavy rain and strong winds.
Stormwater outlet systems are being upgraded, and previously installed litter traps are helping to incept street pollution before it can empty in the swimming areas.
Sand is also being transported into Shoal Bay to rebuild eroded areas along the foreshore and keep the beach accessible.
The Coastal Management Program is projected to cost $10 million over its 10-year implementation.
Part of it has been funded, but more is required, and to that end Council intends to pursue opportunistic NSW Government Grants to complete it.
“The Port Stephens coastline is central to our lifestyle and economy, supporting tourism, recreation, biodiversity, and vital marine habitats,” the Council spokesperson said.
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