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 that Sandpiper Dredging Pty Ltd won 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 meters 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 meters 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 also added that 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 meters of more sand at later dates when needed.”
The Department of Planning, Industry and Environment – Crown Lands has also deposited about 5,000 cubic meters of dredged sand at southern end of Blacksmiths Beach to help improve beach conditions.