BY TYLER FARDELL

The huge swell and strong winds which battered Newcastle’s coastline over the past weeks has uncovered a dirty secret in Stockton.

Over the weekend, much of the Stockton sand dunes close to the water were eroded away, revealing a disgusting sight for many locals who visit the area.

Currently, signs are in place to deter away any visitors as representatives from Newcastle City Council, Hunter Water and the Environment Protection Authority met today at the site to discuss the clean-up.

Many community members are worried the situation could get worse if the rubbish isn’t cleaned up before another big swell hits and erodes more of the sandbank away, which has already collapsed in some places.

Keiran Smith from Hunter Water says they’re looking to fix the situation as quick as they can.

“Today we’re meeting with Council and the EPA to get this mess sorted out”, he said. “We need to hire a licensed contractor to fix the site.

The site of the rubbish is on the land of Hunter Water so they’ll be taking the lead of the cleanup.

“Our immediate focus is to make the site safe so that includes signage and security”, Mr Smith said.



Rubbish along Stockton Beach

Photo source; NBN News