10 hours Ago By Matthew Kelly
The effects of one of the most extreme weather events recorded in the Hunter almost a century ago are still being felt. Login or signup to continue reading Maps dating back to 1795 show a significant land mass jutting from the mouth of the Myall River into Port Stephens . Known as Myall Point, the landmark, which functioned as a natural breakwall, protected the river mouth from sand inundation.
It also supported a small community and a lighthouse. But the point was literally wiped off the map by an east coast that struck during Easter 1927. The extreme weather event, described as a category 5 cyclone, brought 500 millimetres of rain from April 15 to April 24.
It is thought that a combination of extreme flooding and hydraulic pressure destabilised the point. The only record of the site is a reference to lot number DP1056904, which is still registered as a valid holding with the NSW Office of Lands. Over the past century, the buildup of sand near the river entrance has been a scourge for mariners and locals alike.
"I can remember visiting here in the 60s and 70s when there was a deep water channel still there but it was gradually starting to close over," Myall River Action Group spokesman Gordon Grainger said. The Newcastle Herald reported on Tuesday that a dredging project is removing thousands of tonnes of sand deposited between the river mouth and the Singing Bridge. While the much-needed project will help revitalise the estuary, locals believe the reconstruction of Myall Point would help protect the channel and its environment in the long term.
Such a project, which would essentially involve building a kilometre-long breakwall, would not come cheap. But the Myall River Action Group argues that it would deliver a higher return through increased tourism and maritime activity. It will also mean the river would not need to be dredged as often.
It would also mean the man-made navigational channel to the west would no longer be required to be maintained. "We would very much want the state government to authorise it (the natural entrance) as an official navigation channel," group spokesman Gordon Grainger said. "That would allow the false channel to close over.
" The estuary's three lake systems originally entered the ocean at different points up to about 1000 years ago. Over time, the three entrances were blocked through sand movement, and the narrow stream (the Myall River) that exists today was formed. "The Myall River has a very narrow entrance.
That means that the water coming down from the mountains actually flows backwards into the lakes, which means we don't flood down here," Mr Grainger said. "The top lake is fresh, the middle lake is brackish, and the bottom lake is tidal. But it's all mixed with water coming down.
That means the water coming out of the river is very brackish. Because the eastern entrance is closed, it gets recycled in the lakes and we lose the salt content, which, in turn, affects marine life." Matthew Kelly has worked as a journalist for more than 25 years.
He has been working as a general reporter at the Newcastle Herald since 2018. In recent years he has reported on subjects including environment, energy, water security, manufacturing and higher education. He has previously covered issues including the health and environmental impacts of uncovered coal wagons in the Hunter Valley, the pollution of legacy of former industrial sites and freedom of information issues.
Matthew Kelly has worked as a journalist for more than 25 years. He has been working as a general reporter at the Newcastle Herald since 2018. In recent years he has reported on subjects including environment, energy, water security, manufacturing and higher education.
He has previously covered issues including the health and environmental impacts of uncovered coal wagons in the Hunter Valley, the pollution of legacy of former industrial sites and freedom of information issues. Daily Today's top stories curated by our news team. Also includes evening update.
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