Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon has welcomed Federal Labor’s announcement of a $62 million Beaches and Coastlines Climate Adaptation Plan, arguing the coastal community of Stockton would be well positioned to take advantage of the commitment.  

Ms Claydon visited Stockton today to discuss the plan with residents and representatives of the Stockton Community Liaison Group, highlighting the potential for this funding to support the work of state and local government to address erosion issues.

“Communities like Stockton are already seeing the dire impacts of climate change and coastal erosion. We can't leave them stranded,” Ms Claydon said.

“While state and local government bear primary responsibility for addressing coastal erosion, Federal Labor acknowledges the extent of problem and has developed a $50 million Coastal Rehabilitation Fund which communities like Stockton can benefit from.”  

Ms Claydon said the Coastal Rehabilitation Fund would work with communities, local government and the Australian Coastal Councils Association to directly support coastal rehabilitation projects that restore beaches and improve their resilience.

“I’m respectful that council is already working with the local community and state government to develop a long-term plan to address the issues, as is prescribed under state legislation.

“Once the preferred solution has been identified, council will be able to apply for co-funding from this federal program, should Labor be privileged to win government.”

Ms Claydon said the Liberals had betrayed coastal communities. 

“Under the Liberals, all climate adaptation work that was in place under the former Labor government has been completely defunded. Not only that, but climate adaptation was totally excluded from their 2017 Review of Climate Change Policies,” Ms Claydon said.  

“The only way to get strong action on climate change and coastal erosion at this election is to vote Labor.”

This election is a choice between strong action on climate change and support for local communities to address coastal erosion or more tax loopholes for the top end of town.

Only Labor will provide urgent action and overdue leadership to step up the fight to protect Australia’s environment and hand on a better environment to the next generation.