Work to secure former Stockton tip site begins

Reinforcement: Sandbags being lowered into position in front of the old Stockton tip site on Tuesday. Picture: Marina Neil.

Work is underway to prevent tonnes of rubbish buried at the former Stockton rubbish tip from washing into the sea.

Heavy seas exposed geofabric that was installed over the front section of the former waste site at the northern end of the beach earlier this month.

Crown Lands is building a temporary sandbag seawall and has contracted Soil Conservation Service to assist with the work. Crown Lands is also liaising with City of Newcastle, Hunter Water, the Environment Protection Authority on the project.

Minister for Water, Housing and Property Melinda Pavey said the work was the first step towards removing the buried waste from the 50 square metre area.

"Our first priority is to ensure that the local environment, community and sea life is protected, so installing the sandbag seawall will achieve that in the short term," Mrs Pavey said.

"This land on Worimi country, requires care, conservation and protection, and government will work alongside the local council, Worimi Local Aboriginal land Council and relevant authorities to ensure generations of Australians can enjoy it for years to come."

Plans are underway to remove the buried waste, which remains stable and has not been exposed. It will be excavated and taken away to a licensed waste disposal depot over the coming months.

Once the waste has been removed, works will immediately commence on the restoration and rehabilitation of the site.