Stockton Beach to Reopen for School Holidays Stockton Beach in the Worimi Conservation Lands (WCL), north of Newcastle, is expected to be open for the school holidays starting the 30 June for beach front driving only. National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) Hunter Region Manager Robert Quirk said that NPWS is keen to reopen the WCL as soon as possible, however the beach and dunes have not recovered from the severe erosion and flooding caused by a recent storm and remain closed over this weekend (23-24 June). “There are still large areas where wave action has eroded away the beach and fore dunes leaving steep ledges and expanding areas of very soft sand. “In addition, deep pools of water behind the fore dune remain a concern, causing large areas of quick sand, making access to the area extremely dangerous. “Licenced four-wheel drive, sand boarding, horse riding and quad bike riding tour companies have been permitted restricted access to the park, allowing them to continue limited operations. The unusual combination of a very high tide, a significant storm surge and the southerly swell direction resulted in a high level of damage. Long term occupants of Tin City, which were surrounded by seawater coming through the foredunes, describe it as the worst they have seen since the Sygna storm of 1974. “In addition, in many areas the storm has exposed the remnant soil profile containing Aboriginal cultural material. “Worimi Aboriginal Owners are currently working with NPWS staff and consultant Archeaologists to identify and record these sites, and provide for their protection. “People planning to visit the Worimi Conservation Lands including Stockton Beach during the school holidays are advised that vehicle access will be permitted the beach front only, via the Lavis Lane entrance at Williamtown, or the Gan Gan road entrance at Anna Bay. “At this stage, due to safety concerns and the presence of significant Aboriginal cultural material which has become unearthed following the storm, camping and access to the dunes will not be permitted. “NPWS are continually monitoring the condition of the recreational vehicle area, however at this stage it is not yet know if this will be available for the holidays. For further information visit www.nationalpark.nsw.gov.au or call NPWS Hunter Region on 02 4984 8200. Images & video of storm damage: http://www.flickr.com/photos/48646673@N07/sets/72157630166635980/
