$10M for the long-term Swansea Channel dredging project

Swansea Channel Dredging Infrastructure Enhancement Project has reached a major milestone with the government investing $10 million for permanent water and land-based dredging infrastructure.

“The local community has been waiting for a long-term solution to the dredging issue in the Swansea Channel for too long – and I’m proud to be part of a government finally delivering on it,” commented Shortland MP Pat Conroy.

According to him, the project will construct permanent water and land-based dredging infrastructure for the Swansea Channel, allowing the area to be regularly dredged by the local and state governments, providing safer and more reliable access for boaters.

It will also include the design, manufacture, and installation of a sand transfer pipeline, and the replacement of the Blacksmiths Boat Ramp.

“Lake Macquarie has so much potential, and this project is a big step toward realizing that,” said Member for Hunter, Dan Repacholi. “Permanent dredging infrastructure will support everything from safe boating access to expanded tourism facilities, which are essential for sustaining the region’s growth and creating new opportunities for locals.”

Regular dredging will also enable the construction of further marina berths and support additional tourism activity on the water, feeding into the heightened demand for accommodation and hospitality in the City of Lake Macquarie – particularly in peak holiday periods.

This increased tourism activity is estimated to create 364 direct jobs and 883 indirect jobs in the greater Lake Macquarie area, as well as substantial economic benefits for established businesses in the community.

The dredge project is expected to commence in early 2025.