Permanent dredging solution for Swansea Channel on the way

A permanent dredging solution for Swansea Channel is a step closer, with Lake Macquarie City Council set to spearhead the design, supply and delivery of a new dredge vessel and associated equipment.

Last Monday, Councilors voted for Council’s upcoming quarterly Operational Plan review to include a proposal outlining the channel’s ongoing dredging, using Federal and State Government funds.

The proposal will also outline plans for a sand transfer system and investigate the feasibility of relocating dredged sand to Blacksmiths Beach.

Lake Macquarie Mayor Kay Fraser said that while local government was ultimately not the authority responsible for the sands or waterways of Swansea Channel, the past 40 years suggested that ongoing dredging would not occur without Council’s intervention.

“Council derives no direct benefit from dredging the channel,” she said. “But economic modelling suggests that providing a permanently navigable channel could unlock more than $175 million of new construction around the lake and be a catalyst for new tourism opportunities.”

“We want to take any steps available to help our city’s economy to transition and thrive, not to mention improve the safety of people enjoying our beautiful lake.”

Council agreed on taking the next step on the proviso that it remains a cost-neutral undertaking for the organization.

Funding will come from the Federal Government’s commitment to providing $10 million under its Priority Community Infrastructure Program, and the NSW Government’s Boating Infrastructure and Dredging Scheme.

Council Deputy CEO Tony Farrell outlined three key elements of the project to be rolled out concurrently, with the first comprising design, supply and delivery of a dredge vessel and associated equipment.

The second involves design, supply, construction and commissioning of a sand transfer system, while the third covers replacement of Blacksmiths boat ramp.

“The next step now is to keep talking to the relevant Federal and State agencies and enter into legal agreements that set the funding arrangements and areas of responsibility,” Mr Farrell said. “We understand how keen the community is for meaningful, long-term solutions to the dredging issue, and we will do what we can to expedite the process.”

The dredging proposal will be included in either the September or December Operational Plan quarterly review.