BY LAUREN FREEMANTLE
After recent rough swell and bad conditions, a part of the former Stockton tip has become re-exposed, and Newcastle Labor MP Tim Crakanthorp is calling on the state government to step in.
He’s launched a notice of motion, highlighting a lack of attention given to half of the site which is owned by Crown Lands.
The other half is overseen by Hunter Water, who have removed the refuse on their land back from the shoreline by 10 metres to prevent debris entering the ocean.
Mr Crakanthorp has commended Hunter Water for their response, but fears rubbish may roll into the sea from Crown land.
“I’m very concerned,” he explained, “This is the very beginning of Winter and already a storm has battered [the tip] and we’ve got exposed rubbish, including old asbestos and other material…as it is now, it’ll flow onto the beach,” the MP said.
“This government is absolutely failing to have a plan to manage this tip…”
Tim Crakanthorp addressed parliament yesterday, calling on Environment Minister, Gabrielle Upton to implement a long-term solution to see the rubbish problem dealt with properly.
It’s understood the EPA are liaising with Crown Lands to monitor their management of the site.
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Rubbish found at the Stockton tip site, March 2018. Image: The Herald. |