A permanent dredging solution is finally poised to get underway in Swansea Channel, with a custom-made vessel undergoing water trials on Lake Macquarie.
The Beaver 30, to be named Tuirkulliko, will be capable of removing more than 1000m3 a day from the channel, creating a deeper and safer passage for thousands of boats that traverse the stretch each year.
The dredge's Awabakal name translates as "to drag along" or "to draw" - a nod to its role afloat.
Sand will be pumped via pipeline onto Nine Mile Beach, just south of Belmont golf course.
The Australian Government contributed $10 million to the project through its Priority Community Infrastructure Program, including funding to upgrade Blacksmiths boat ramp.
The NSW Government contributed an additional $6 million to support the operation of the new system for the next five years.
Lake Macquarie Mayor Adam Shultz said the vessel's launch was the result of a concerted, collaborative effort across all three levels of government and other stakeholders.
"Boaties have long called for a permanent dredging solution for Swansea Channel and it is fantastic to see that day finally arrive," he said.
"Opening the channel not only increases safety for everyone who uses Lake Macquarie - it opens up our city to bigger and better opportunities for water-based tourism and business."
The first major dredging campaign will take place between two areas of the channel - one known as the Dog Leg and the other the Drop Over.
It will establish a 60m-wide channel to a depth of about 3m, removing an estimated 83,000m3 of sand.
Tuirkulliko's commissioning is expected to be completed by the end of August, with dredging planned to start in September.
Transport for NSW will engage a contractor to undertake the work and will seek tenders later this year for the dredge's long-term operation and maintenance.
Quotes attributable to Hon Pat Conroy MP, Federal Member for Shortland:
"Our community has been waiting for a dredging solution for the Swansea Channel for too long. I'm proud to have delivered the $10 million needed for a permanent dredge, ensuring the lake remains accessible for locals."
"This dredge will deliver safer, more reliable access to Lake Macquarie for everyone, while boosting tourism, supporting local businesses and creating jobs. This is a huge win for our community."
"With a permanent dredge in place, the Swansea Channel will remain accessible and navigable for local boaties year-round."
Quotes attributable to Regional Transport Minister Jenny Aitchison:
"I'm delighted to see the delivery of this vessel, which will deliver a sustainable approach to dredging the Swansea Channel for commercial and recreational boaties."
"This $6 million investment will fund NSW Maritime to operate Tuirkulliko at Swansea Channel for the next five years. I congratulate Lake Macquarie Council and Mayor Adam Shultz on bringing this important project to fruition, and Yasmin Catley for her relentless advocacy to make this happen."
"This new vessel will give Maritime the capability not only to deliver planned dredging campaigns, but also be responsive to unplanned dredging needs as they arise."
Quotes attributable to Hon Yasmin Catley MP, State Member for Swansea:
"This is a huge win for boaties and the Lake Macquarie community.
"We have fought for years for a permanent solution to Swansea Channel. Now the dredge is here, it's on the water and it's about to get to work.
"Swansea Channel is the gateway between our lake and the ocean. Keeping it open and safe matters to boaties, local businesses and our entire visitor economy.
"We've had dredging campaigns before. What we haven't had is a dedicated, long-term solution to keep on top of the problem. That's what changes today.
"This community campaigned hard for this. I was proud to stand with locals at Swansea Yacht Club and fight for it, and I'm even prouder to see it being delivered."
Quotes attributable to Transport for NSW Maritime Executive Director Nicole Watts:
"With commissioning almost complete, for the first time NSW Maritime will have its own dredging vessel for deployment across the waterways of NSW."
"Swansea Channel is a top priority on our statewide risk-based assessment for dredging, and this vessel will play a critical role in delivering on the 10-year dredging plan for this important waterway."
