Campaigns & Projects
As a community, we want to directly and proactively influence how plans and development are enacted. We have a list of current campaigns, so keep scrolling.
Current projects
As a community we want to directly and proactively influence how plans and development are enacted for the:
Ferry Maintenance & Cancellation – Click here
Amenities Campaign – Click here
Summer Campaign 2023/24 – Click here
Restoration of Stockton Beach – Click here
Effective planning to benefit the public use of Crown Land in Stockton – Click here
Stockton community environment and safety issues – Click here
Increasing Kooragang Island Stakeholder Engagement. Click here
Clean Energy – Click here
Ferry Maintenance & Cancellation
The cancellation of ferry services due to mechanical failure on the 20th November is the latest barb in the appalling treatment of residents by Keolis Downer & Transport NSW. While the Stockton Ferry trip maybe a delightful 3-minute journey for visitors, it is a vital mode of transport for the Stockton community and commuters from the region to access work, school and health care.
The general disregard for users is shameful. While buses may provide an alternative how do people with mobility aides and bikes get home? Maintenance of the Newcastle Ferries is an ongoing issue. The service provider (Keolis Downer), Transport NSW and the State Government are unwilling to take responsibility for the scheduling of regular maintenance of the fleet. It is noted the 2nd ferry has been out of service for 9 months. Cost of maintenance and the age of the ferries are cited as the problem. A problem that Stockton residents have no control over, yet are most impacted by when service is disrupted.
Consequences of service cancellation without notice
• Missed medical and other scheduled appointments
• People unable to get to work and educational facilities
• Missed connections to buses, trains and airports
If you have been impacted by the ferry service disruptions, voice your concern and share your experience by contacting: Tim Crakanthorp MP Ph: (02)49261126 or Email: https://www.timcrakanthorp.com/contact-us/
Newcastle Transport (Keolis Downer) Ph: (02)49741600 or 131500 Email: contact@newcastletransport.info Transport for NSW Ph: 131500 or https://feedback.transportnsw.info/s/
Actions
Current Projects & Actions:
SCG Inc submission to the DECMP 2025 – click here
1. Stand with us – better facilities/amenities – Summer Campaign
The $1.25 million Stockton Active Hub – Skatepark & Playground adjacent to the ferry wharf, is a fantastic asset for our community and visitors. BUT the toilets are terrible.
WE need better public toilets that are: family friendly, accessible for all and meet growing demand
SCG Inc has lobbied to improve these facilities, but City of Newcastle has no plan to upgrade the toilets. We need your help! If you are not satisfied with this public amenity let City of Newcastle know by lodging a Customer Request via the QR code or call them on 02 49742000.
2. Restoration of Stockton Beach
Lobby all levels of Government on Beach Erosion, Wear Redshirts on Saturday and 6 SCG Inc. members on Stockton Community Liaison Group.
3. Stockton Mobility Campaign
Increased visitor and commuter traffic on Stockton is causing significant risk to pedestrians safety. SCG Inc is undertaking a campaign to help inform the implementation of the CN Walking & Mobility Plan and we need your help! We are compiling a list of street corners and other areas which need upgrading to provide safer access for pedestrians, wheelchairs users and prams. To help, you can submit photos and details of locations of concern to stocktoncomgroup@gmail.com
4. Public use of Crown Land in Stockton
Correspondence to Crown Lands on location of Holidays Cabins and Correspondence to City of Newcastle on Holiday Cabins
5. Stockton Community Environment and Safety issues
5.1 Continued investigation of Shopping Centre including:
Public toilet access, Pigeons in Shopping Centre, accessibility & condition of centre
5.2 Rifle Range House estate
Section 94 contribution and Traffic flows
5.3 Parking at Corroba Oval
6. Increasing Kooragang Island Stakeholder Engagement
6.1 Reducing Ammonium Nitrate Storage on Kooragang
* Response to SafeWork NSW
6.2 Response to NSW Draft Hunter Transport Management Plan
6.3 Response to Cargill Seed Modification Project
6.4 SCG Inc. representatives on PWCS Community Engagement Group, NCIG Community Engagement Group, Port of Newcastle Community Liaison Group, Orica Community Representative Group and NCCCE.
7. Clean Energy
Investigation of Rewiring Australia
Response to Wind Farms / Offshore Renewable Energy Consultation
Campaign: Lobby all levels of government on beach erosion
Need some inspiration? Below are 4 sample letters to send to all levels of Government. However please feel free to write your own letter as personal experiences are often best.
For example: Please write to all levels of government about Stockton beach erosion and the impact this has on you.
Sample letters
Suggested Letter 1
Dear
All levels of government must work together to find a solution for Stockton Beach’s erosion. It is well documented that erosion is caused by the NSW Government-owned Port Infrastructure and channel deepening. The erosion is exacerbated by changing weather patterns. Stockton remains at the mercy of the East Coast Lows which will cause further damage, causing remediation costs to skyrocket and grow with each storm.
Please advise how you will assist in fixing Stockton Beach.
We seek your support in preserving the future of Stockton Beach for future generations of Novocastrians.
Suggested Letter 2
Dear
The coal royalties from Port of Newcastle shipments is a multibillion dollar revenue stream for the NSW Government. It is time that a portion of these royalties were diverted to saving Stockton Beach from continued erosion. The proposed increase of container ships into the port will only increase the damage to Stockton Beach and the portside community. The $25 million required to save Stockton Beach is a very small percentage of this revenue raised. Please don’t ignore this solution.
All levels of government must work together to find a solution for Stockton Beach’s erosion. It is well documented that erosion is caused by the NSW Government-owned Port Infrastructure and channel deepening. The erosion is exacerbated by changing weather patterns. Stockton remains at the mercy of the East Coast Lows which will cause further damage, causing remediation costs to skyrocket and grow with each storm.
Suggested Letter 3
Dear
Stockton residents and Novocastrians have lost access to the beach they love, they have lost the Childcare Centre and the playing fields are endangered. Not only impacting the locals, but also the tourists that travel from all over NSW to enjoy Stockton and all it has to offer. Please advise us on how you will assist in fixing Stockton Beach.
Suggested Letter 4
Dear
The Stockton War Memorial was dedicated in 1922, and for a century it has provided the community with a place to remember those who gave their lives for Australia. It is one of few war memorials that overlooks the beach on the East coast of Australia. The Pines is an area for reflection and also recreation. However, it is in danger of being lost to beach erosion. Unfortunately, Stockton Beach has the highest rate of beach erosion in New South Wales exacerbated by further El Nina conditions. Placing the Pines & Stockton War memorial in danger of being lost.
All levels of Government need to proactively protect this site. Planning should be underway to ensure the area is saved and remains accessible.
Doing nothing is to allow this war memorial and all it represents to be lost. Do not wait until Anzac Day 2023 to take action.
Please save the Pines.
Links to Politicians
State and Federal:
NSW Premier, Chris Minns: contact details here
Deputy Premier, Prue Car: contact details here
Minister for Environment, Penny Sharpe: contact details here
Treasurer, Daniel Mookhey: contact details here
Local MP and Minister for Hunter, Tim Crakanthrop: contact details here
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Paul Sculley: contact details here
Minister for Local Government, Ron Hoenig: heffron@parliament.nsw.gov.au
Minister for Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty: tara.moriarty@parliament.nsw.gov.au
Federal MP Sharon Claydon: sharon.claydon.mp@aph.gov.au