The NSW Government has awarded a $250,000 contract for more dredging work in Swansea Channel.
Member of the NSW Upper House for the Hunter, Taylor Martin MLC, said Sandpiper Dredging Pty Ltd has been awarded the contract following a tender by the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment – Crown Lands.
"Sandpiper Dredging has just completed nearly four weeks of dredging to remove more than 10,000 cubic metres of sand from Swansea Channel," Mr Martin said.
"This dredging has cleared the area between Naru Point and the Dropover where vessel navigation problems had been occurring.
"The channel has been cleared to a depth of 3 metres at low tide which is great news for boaters heading into the upcoming Christmas and New Year holiday period.
"The awarding of another contract means that the channel can be maintained with further dredging at later dates when needed."
Mr Martin said Swansea Channel is highly dynamic and conditions will continue to be monitored through seabed level surveys.
"Since 2011 the NSW Government has provided over $4 million in funding for dredging work in Swansea Channel to help maintain the entrance to Lake Macquarie," Mr Martin said.
"The awarding of this further $250,000 contract means we have resources in place to remove up to 20,000 cubic metres of more sand at later dates when needed.
"The Government will continue to undertake maintenance dredging in Swansea subject to funding availability to keep the channel clear and navigable.
"Healthy waterways are important for our coastal communities to support recreational boating, commercial fishing and tourism so we need to keep them safe and functional for maritime activities."
The Department of Planning, Industry and Environment – Crown Lands has also deposited about 5,000 cubic metres of dredged sand at southern end of Blacksmiths Beach to help improve beach conditions.
