Trucks began delivering sand to Stockton Beach on Monday, with 5,500 tonnes expected to be distributed along the southern end of the beach over the next week-and-half.
The replenishment is the first stage of a two-stage project jointly funded by the City of Newcastle and the state government, which will nourish the beach while allowing council to monitor the movement of the sand along the Stockton coast.
Heavy machinery will be placing sand on the beach for another nine days in the area between Lexie's on the Beach and the end of Clyde Street. Trucks are transporting sand from two local quarries to a stockpile at the end of King Street.
The second stage of the project will distribute sand up as far as Stockton Surf Life Saving Club. Council says the second stage should take place early next year depending on further funding and approvals.
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the council had worked quickly to finalise approvals so the project could be completed prior to the Christmas holidays.
"Trucking sand to the beach is only a short term response providing recreational amenity at Stockton Beach, and we're continuing to work with the NSW Government to prepare the long term plan for Stockton's erosion problems," the Lord Mayor said.
Visitors can use camera cradles installed near the lifesaving tower and seawall stairs to help monitor changes to the beach as part of the University of NSW's CoastSnap project.
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