Stockton Beach Closed

Submitted: Friday, Jun 08, 2012 at 13:39

ThreadID: 96115 Views:3887 Replies:2 FollowUps:4

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redfive

ONE of the state's most popular beaches has been closed, and will likely remain so for the entire long weekend - because it was eroded so badly by this week's huge storm swells.
National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) Hunter Region Manager Robert Quirk said that exceptionally high tides and large waves have caused severe erosion to Stockton Beach, including deep flooding behind the fore dune.

Wave action has eroded away the beach and fore dunes leaving steep ledges and large areas of very soft sand,' Mr Quirk said.

There is insufficient beach remaining to allow for the safe traverse by 4WD vehicles, forcing the closure of the entire 32km long Stockton Beach.

In addition, deep pools of water have accumulated behind the fore dune causing large areas of quick sand, making access to the area extremely dangerous.

Park closure signs have been installed at all entrances, and NPWS staff will be based at the entrances over the weekend to advise visitors about the closure.

NPWS will continue to monitor the conditions daily, and will re-open the park as soon as conditions improve.

Unfortunately, it is unlikely that the beach will be safe enough to reopen before the end of the long weekend.'

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Reply By: On Patrol & TONI - Friday, Jun 08, 2012 at 15:14

Friday, Jun 08, 2012 at 15:14

I just hope that this is not the excuse NPWS have been looking for to close this beach permanently.
Colin.

AnswerID: 487960

Follow Up By: Iain M - Friday, Jun 08, 2012 at 19:12

Friday, Jun 08, 2012 at 19:12

We were there a couple of weeks ago and drove onto private land, had a bloke let us know what we could drive on.

Fair go it wasn't much and was close to the water. Especially near Lavis Lane.

So the big seas we have had here on the mid north coast this week would have certainly caused the havoc as redfive has posted.

FollowupID: 763193

Follow Up By: Member - Tony V (NSW) - Friday, Jun 08, 2012 at 22:46

Friday, Jun 08, 2012 at 22:46

Toni, Iain,

Since 2003 the beach area has eroded by 50 or 60 mtrs. the first 3 months of this year the northerly wind created havoc with the dune shaping, changing steep gentle southern slopes into steep slopes normally seen on the north side.

In the past 4 months there has been some under cutting of the beach by storms causing some severe drop off, this forces people behind the dunes and of course accidents happen and the vegetation gets driven on causing more erosion... catch 22.....

The Worimi council has talked about closing the section from Lavis Lane north to 8 kms south of Anna Bay (just above Tin City). Note: NPWS only manage the area on request of the Worimi People and do not make the rules.

Tin City has been inundated a number of times in the last 12 months with high tides and storms, I suspect that they will be suffering this weekend.

In 2003 there was a large sand dune between Tin City and the water, in fact from the beach Tin city was not visible and was sheltered from the wind.

I am on the beach at least twice a month and the last 18 months the La Niña effect has moved a great deal of sand....

.

FollowupID: 763207

Follow Up By: Iain M - Saturday, Jun 09, 2012 at 07:52

Saturday, Jun 09, 2012 at 07:52

Thanks Tony,
Great to hear your views from a regular user of the beach.
It is an awesome day out playing on the dunes, in 4B's and boogy boards etc.

The bloke we met on the beach was from the Worimi mob and was a top fella.

He was saying we were on their land, and they want to encourage visitors to the area.
The problem is as the National Parks NSW collect a fee for our access to the beach they are keeping the funds.
The Worimi are asking for a share of that income, be it some or more I do not know.
So we are being used as a pawn in their discussions with NPNSW.
We other 4WD properties do.

That is what we were told by one person, it sounded reasonable. But there could always be more to the story than what he said.

FollowupID: 763211

Follow Up By: Iain M - Saturday, Jun 09, 2012 at 07:55

Saturday, Jun 09, 2012 at 07:55

Some how the 1st follow up edited itself, will try again...
Thanks Tony,
Great to hear your views from a regular user of the beach.
It is an awesome day out playing on the dunes, in 4B's and boogy boards etc.

The bloke we met on the beach was from the Worimi mob and was a top fella.

He was saying we were on their land, and they want to encourage visitors to the area.
The problem is as the National Parks collect a fee for our access to the beach they are keeping the funds.
The Worimi are asking for a share of that income, be it some or more I do not know.
So we are being used as a pawn in their discussions with NPNSW.
We have been to a few places run by NPNSW and they are money grabbers without a doubt. Sure they provide services but sometimes the fees are a bit rich.
From what we were told when NPNSW open the purse more areas of the beach will be opened to the public.
Its Worimi land so they should have an expectation of a fair fee for its use just as those 4WD properties do.

That is what we were told by one person, it sounded reasonable. But there could always be more to the story than what he said.

FollowupID: 763212