Maintaining access to Back Creek is important for boating, fishing, tourism, recreation and local businesses in South West Rocks. Growing concern about sand build-up at the creek entrance has highlighted the need to investigate practical measures to improve navigation and address potential flood risks.
Kempsey Shire Council understands the community's concerns about conditions at the entrance to Back Creek and is continuing to work with relevant agencies to improve conditions.
In the past, the entrance was dredged regularly under licensing arrangements managed by the NSW Government, helping keep the channel open for recreational and commercial boat users. Since those arrangements ended, sand has continued to accumulate at the entrance.
Advocacy for renewed dredging continues, alongside work with relevant government agencies to identify interim measures that could improve navigation and reduce potential flood risks while longer-term solutions progress.
Staff are progressing the licences and approvals needed to establish a temporary dredging arrangement and resume dredging.
In the meantime, advice is being sought on practical options that could improve conditions. This includes examining how current conditions at the entrance may affect flood risk and identifying a workable interim solution. Exploring every available option will help provide greater certainty for the South West Rocks community.
Mayor Kinne Ring said Council understands the importance of Back Creek to the community.
"I know many people are frustrated by the ongoing sand build-up and the impact it's having on Back Creek," Mayor Ring said.
"When the creek becomes harder to navigate, it affects local businesses, visitors and the broader community that values Back Creek as part of the South West Rocks lifestyle."
"Council is actively working with state government agencies to progress dredging and investigate any measures that could help improve conditions sooner."
"We'll continue advocating for solutions that support reliable access and provide certainty for the South West Rocks community."
Council will continue working with government agencies and stakeholders on a practical, long-term solution and keep the community informed.
