Contract let for Swansea Channel dredging

by NSW Government Media on 4 Sep 2009 The NSW government has awarded a contract to carry out maintenance dredging works at Swansea Channel between Pelican and Marks Point, Lake Macquarie.

Minister for Lands Tony Kelly said the works are aimed at improving navigation in the channel over the approaching peak boating season.

'I am pleased to announce the Land and Property Management Authority (formerly Department of Lands) has awarded a contract in the order of $300,000 to local company Hunter Wharf and Barge.

'The work will involve the dredging and transportation of approximately 30,000 cubic metres of marine sands from the estuary.

'Dredging works will be undertaken near the southern entrance to Swan Bay and further north toward the drop-over at Marks Point.

'The sand will be placed on surrounding foreshore lands, or transported to Blacksmith's Beach.'

Kelly said work should commence in September this year and is expected to take approximately 10 weeks to complete. [Latest reports indicated the work will start on September 15 and should allow keel boats entered in the October 3-4 Heaven Can Wait 24 hour Regatta to enter the Lake.]

'Lands is continuing to review proposals from the private sector aimed at developing a commercially viable operation for maintaining the channel.'

Member for Swansea Robert Coombs MP welcomed the announcement.

'I will be doing whatever I can to ensure the project is completed to be ready for summer regattas run by Lake Macquarie Yacht Clubs this summer.

'The dredging will mean that a number of Sydney club's will be able to re-visit the area and in so doing bring important tourist dollars and activity to the area.

'I will continue to work with other stakeholders including Lands, Council and NSW Maritime to develop longer term solutions in the Swansea Channel,' said Coombs.

'Navigation of river and port entrances is essential for the regional economy and the NSW Government is committed to working with communities, authorities and the private sector to achieve improvements to maritime infrastructure,' Kelly said.