Weather update

The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has forecast large and powerful surf conditions hazardous to coastal activities today and tomorrow.

The BOM predicts three-and-a-half metre waves will arrive from the east to south-east today and continue through Tuesday. Waves will become smaller throughout Wednesday.

City of Newcastle has undertaken a range of maintenance, protection and repair works at Stockton since the last east coast low two weeks ago, and staff will be monitoring the situation over the coming days.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said staff and contractors have been working around the clock and are doing everything they can to help protect the beach and coastal assets in Stockton.

“City of Newcastle has had two sand hopper trucks, multiple excavators, cranes and other machinery operating in Stockton since last week’s weather event carrying out a range of maintenance and repair works.

“We have undertaken significant sandbagging works reinforcing existing sandbags and replacing those that were compromised. One location that experienced significant erosion during the last east coast low was at the end of Griffiths Street and we have replaced a number of sandbags in that location.

“We have also moved brick rubble that was previously washed onto the beach back closer to the bank and used some of it to reinforce one of the structures at the northern end of the Surf Life Saving Club.”

City of Newcastle asks the community to please stay clear of coastal areas including Stockton Beach during this period and follow warnings and directional signage where appropriate. All beach accessways remain closed and traffic control will be in place at various locations when needed.

To stay up to date on the weather warnings, please follow the Bureau of Meteorology www.bom.gov.au, and for emergencies, the State Emergency Services at www.ses.nsw.gov.au or phone 13 25 00.