City of Newcastle to reinforce Stockton seawall with 8,500 tonnes of rock

newy.com.au – City of Newcastle will reinforce one of Stockton’s key coastal protection structures with 8,500 tonnes of rock as part of a $5 million upgrade to the 600-metre Mitchell Street seawall, with work due to begin next month.

The seawall, adjacent to Mitchell Street, has become progressively more exposed because of ongoing erosion in the area. The upgrade is aimed at reducing the risk of inundation during extreme weather events and extending the structure’s design life to 50 years. Work is expected to be completed by early next year.

City of Newcastle Executive Manager Environment and Sustainability Marnie Kikken said the project was critical to 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.”

The remediation work will include the removal of undersized or damaged rocks, along with repairs to existing gabion baskets and 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.

Deputy Lord Mayor Charlotte McCabe said the seawall renewal was one of the first projects to begin following certification of the Extended Stockton Coastal Management Program. Cr McCabe, who is a member of the NSW Government’s Stockton Special Advisory Panel, said the council remained committed to working with the state government on Stockton’s future.

“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.”