BY JARROD MELMETH
Following a chaotic weekend off the coast of Port Stephens, Jimmys Beach at Hawks Nest is one of the worst affected areas after a ship lost 83 containers spilling debris into the ocean on Friday.
MidCoast and Port Stephens Council are urging residents to leave the debris for the shipping company’s contractor to collect, following a massive cleanup effort by volunteers over the weekend.
Newcastle based, Varley Group has been appointed by the insurance company responsible for the vessel to undertake the debris collection and removal.
The coastline of Jimmys Beach has also suffered severe erosion in two places along The Boulevarde again prompting calls from residents for government assistance.
Winda Woppa Association President Ken Garrard said the erosion has left residents with beachfront homes on edge.
“The most recent storm purely exacerbated the beach. We are concerned that we have not had any action to replenish the beach in between this storm and the last.
“Given that weather is entirely a risk situation, if we face another storm on this beach, it will cause damage to The Boulevard and potentially, if the storm is of sufficient intensity, will damage our homes.
“We have continued to see superficial and cosmetic band-aid solutions for the past 30 years. It is now time for some serious action,” Mr Garrard said.
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Jimmys Beach. Image: Charlie Holtom. |