City of Newcastle will reinforce one of Stockton's key coastal protection structures with 8,500 tonnes of rock to reduce the risk of the area being inundated during extreme weather events.
Work will begin next month on a $5 million upgrade of the 600-metre long seawall adjacent to Mitchell Street, which has become progressively more exposed as a result of ongoing erosion in the area.
City of Newcastle's Executive Manager Environment and Sustainability Marnie Kikken said this work was critical for the ongoing protection and maintenance of Stockton's coastline.
"The renewal of the Mitchell Street seawall is essential for maintaining a stable and resilient barrier in this area of Stockton," Ms Kikken said.
"The project will increase the height of the seawall to reduce waves going over the top in large swells and provide ongoing protection of the road, utilities, and adjacent residential properties.
"The work will also extend the design-life of the seawall to 50 years, contributing to the long-term safety and security of the community against coastal hazards."
Extensive remediation work will be carried out, including the removal of undersized or damaged rocks, and the repair of existing gabion baskets and the concrete stormwater outlets.
Two long-reach excavators, designed for heavy duty marine, dredging and civil applications, will operate from the top of the seawall to place the new rocks, some weighing up to 5.3 tonnes each, into position.
The work is expected to be completed by early next year.
Deputy Lord Mayor Charlotte McCabe, who is a member of the NSW Government's Stockton Special Advisory Panel, said this is one of the first projects to commence following the certification of the Extended Stockton Coastal Management Program (CMP).
"City of Newcastle is committed to working with the NSW Government to manage and preserve Stockton's coastline now and into the future," Cr McCabe said.
"We're encouraged by the recent meeting of the Stockton Special Advisory Panel and efforts to push ahead with plans for mass sand nourishment as part of the NSW Government's $21.5 million election commitment.
"The Extended CMP establishes a clear pathway for the delivery of mass sand nourishment, supported by regular sand top-ups, as the most feasible, viable and acceptable long-term solution for Stockton.
"It also includes vital short-term actions, such as the renewal of this rock seawall, which will help secure critical public assets until mass sand nourishment is delivered."
To learn more about the Mitchell Street seawall upgrade and the Extended Stockton CMP visit the project page on the City of Newcastle website.
