The NSW Government has commenced work on protecting the local coastline in Stockton, following the exposure of geofabric covering used at a former City of Newcastle waste landfill site which was operational in the late 1960s to early 1970s.
Earlier this month NSW Crown Lands received reports the covering used to contain waste from the former tip near North Stockton Beach had become exposed on a section of adjoining Crown land due to coastal erosion.
Following consultation with City of Newcastle, Hunter Water, NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) and the Soil Conservation Service, a temporary sandbag seawall will be put in place to minimise the risk of waste entering the coastal environment if the geofabric covering becomes compromised.
Minister for Water, Housing and Property Melinda Pavey said this was just the first step towards removing the buried waste from Crown lands which covers an area of about 50m2.
“Our first priority is to ensure that the local environment, community and sea life is protected, so installing the sandbag seawall will achieve that in the short term,” Mrs Pavey said.
“This land on Worimi country, requires care, conservation and protection, and government will work alongside the local council, Worimi Local Aboriginal land Council and relevant authorities to ensure generations of Australians can enjoy it for years to come.”
Plans are underway to remove the buried waste, which remains stable and has not been exposed. It will be excavated and taken away to a licensed waste disposal depot over the coming months.
Once the waste has been removed, works will immediately commence on the restoration and rehabilitation of the site.
