Australia: Officials Invite Bids for Hastings River Dredging

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional Infrastructure and Services Andrew Stoner and Member for Port Macquarie Leslie Williams have announced a tender to improve the navigation of the Town Green Channel on the Hastings River.

Mr Stoner said the tender for works included dredging and transferring up to 10,000 cubic metres of marine sand from the channel to nourish Town Beach.

“This project is another important coastal infrastructure investment by the NSW Liberal & Nationals Government that will benefit recreational and commercial boaters in the Hastings River and improve the amenity of Town Beach at Port Macquarie for beach goers,” Mr Stoner said.

“The tender includes dredging marine sand from the edge of a sandbank that is moving into the channel and affecting boat movement.

“Transferring this sand to Town Beach is consistent with Port Macquarie-Hastings Council’s own Town Beach Coastline Management Plan.

“The work will be funded from the NSW Government’s Coastal Infrastructure Program, administered by NSW Trade & Investment Crown Lands.”

Mrs Williams said regular maintenance dredging was required about every five years as the Town Green Channel was busy boating thoroughfare.

“Dredging the channel reduces navigational risks and reinstates access for most boat owners/operators who wish to use the channel,” Mrs Williams said.

“The work is scheduled to be completed before the 2014 September school holidays and will be assisted by council, who have agreed to supervise the works on behalf of Crown Lands.

“Government funding for this project will not only improve navigation but will also provide a boost to the local recreation and tourism economy.”

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Press Release, March 26, 2014