Shellharbour City Council has completed a feasibility study into areas of Lake Illawarra affected by sand build-up and found that a small, localised dredging option at Burroo Bay is the most practical and cost-effective option for further investigation.
The study assessed Burroo Bay, Koona Bay and the entrance to Horsley Creek to understand whether targeted dredging could address sediment build-up, improve access for small boats, support local recreation and assist stormwater flows into the lake.
Council will now proceed with a Review of Environmental Factors (REF) for the Burroo Bay Option. The REF will examine potential impacts on seagrass, water quality and wildlife, and outline how these impacts could be avoided, reduced or managed. Completing the REF does not commit Council to undertaking dredging; rather, it will provide the detailed environmental and technical information needed to guide any future decisions.
Shellharbour City Mayor Chris Homer said the study provides clear direction on how Council can improve access to the lake while protecting its environmental values.
"Lake Illawarra is central to our community identity. This study helps us understand where small scale dredging could improve boating access and enjoyment of the lake while ensuring we continue to care for its sensitive ecosystems" Mayor Homer said.
"Council is committed to making decisions guided by evidence and by what is best for our community. This work will give us the information we need to carefully consider the next steps for these well used parts of the lake."
Council will also seek approval from the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water to expand the current grant to include detailed design work for the Burroo Bay option. If approved, this would allow planning to progress smoothly once the environmental review is complete.
A potential dredging project at Burroo Bay could complement the upgrade currently underway at the Deakin Reserve jetty. Together, these improvements would help people access the lake more easily and safely for sailing and other on water activities.
KEY MESSAGES:
- The feasibility study assessed Burroo Bay, Koona Bay and Horsley Creek, finding a small, localised dredge at Burroo Bay to be the most practical and cost effective option for further investigation.
- Council will now begin a Review of Environmental Factors and seek approval to include detailed design within the current grant, allowing planning for possible dredging at Burroo Bay to continue.
- The Review of Environmental Factors will provide the detailed environmental and technical information needed to guide any future decisions.
