1
NEWS
Swansea Channel gets the dredge
Gateway to Australia's largest saltwater lake opened to more boatersDeputy Premier and Minister for Regional Infrastructure and Services Andrew Stoner has announced the State Government is providing $360,000 to dredge the Swansea Channel this year.
“The Swansea Channel is the marine gateway to Lake Macquarie, an outstanding recreational waterway that is loved by locals, tourists and boating enthusiasts alike,” Mr Stoner said.
“Dredging in the Swansea Channel is currently carried out on an as-needs basis which can lead to unreliable access and uncertainty about locations of shoaling.
“By funding this interim dredging campaign of Swansea Channel, we will ensure safe access to Lake Macquarie for recreational boats.”
Member for Swansea Garry Edwards welcomed the funding announcement.
“Local residents and boaters will be thrilled with the decision to dredge the Swansea Channel,” Mr Edwards said.
“We are hoping for work to get underway soon so the Channel is ready for this year’s boating season.”
Mr Stoner said the interim dredging campaign was the first step in implementation of a report on the long-term navigational dredging strategy for Swansea Channel.
“The Government is asking the stakeholder steering group for their comments on the report, Towards a Sustainable Framework for Navigation in Swansea Channel,” Mr Stoner said.
“It raises important issues around the management and funding for long-term dredging of Swansea Channel that will be subject to further talks between the stakeholders.
“The report is a team effort involving NSW Government agencies, the Boat Owners Association, Lake Macquarie City Council and other local interests.
“The local Members for Swansea, Garry Edwards, and Lake Macquarie, Greg Piper, also provided valuable input to the process.
“A channel survey in May indicated there was sand build-up in shoaling hotspots targeted by last year’s dredging campaign.
“In order to prevent this build-up interfering with the boating season, the government supports an interim dredging campaign again this year.
“The Government also supports the report’s recommendation for a large-scale once off dredging intervention in 2014 to create a reliable navigation channel.
“Funding for this, estimated to cost $2.5 million, will be determined by the stakeholders, including Trade and Investment Crown Lands, Council and Roads & Maritime Services," Mr Stoner said.
The report is being provided to the stakeholders so that they can study the options and provide feedback before the recommendations are acted on.
It will then be made available to the general public on the web at www.swanseachannelframework.com.au.
Read the latest Boatsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at the Boatsales Network's mobile site. Or download the all-new App.
Tags
Share this article
Written byBoatsales Staff
See all articlesStay up to dateBecome a boatsales member and get the latest news, reviews and advice straight to your inbox.
Subscribe todayDisclaimer
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
Contact
Advertise with us
International marketplaces
Consent
Download the boatsales app
