newy.com.au – An offshore mining licence application has been submitted to NSW Resources to dredge sand from Stockton Bight for Stockton Beach’s restoration. The proposal is open for public comment until 13 November 2026.
The project aims to address longstanding coastal erosion at Stockton by adding large volumes of sand to the beach, a process known as mass sand nourishment. The NSW Government is funding and delivering the work through its $21.5 million election commitment.
The official licence application notice was published on 13 October. The application seeks permission for offshore dredging; it is not an approval to begin that work. Separate applications for environmental protection and Crown land licences have also been submitted for determination.
Government, industry and community representatives discussed the project’s progress at a Stockton Special Advisory Panel meeting on 19 October.
Newcastle state MP Tim Crakanthorp, who chairs the panel, said in a statement: “With the public exhibition now open, I encourage community members and organisations to review the proposal and share their feedback as we move forward with the largest beach repair project in NSW history.”
Other developments outlined to the panel included the appointment of NSW Public Works to provide project oversight and act as the project’s principal representative throughout its delivery.
Salients Consultancy has also been engaged to develop a framework for monitoring and evaluating the results of the sand nourishment work.
The panel is next scheduled to meet in early 2027.
