Ettalong Channel is set to benefit from a $6.2 million dredging program to be carried out by the NSW Government.
This week’s announcement has finally put to bed the dispute over who is responsible for funding dredging of the Ettalong channel.
It was only a few months ago that the waterway was designated as a ‘key investment location’ under the NSW Government’s Maritime Infrastructure Delivery Office.
The Office’s aim was to improve the coordination and delivery of coastal and boating infrastructure programs and projects across the state.
Financing dredging of the channel has been a point of contention for years, with stalemates between Council and the State Government over who should foot the bill seeing the waterway closed on several occasions in recent years.
Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch, said the Ettalong Channel was one of five key locations to be included in the dredging program.
“Ettalong Channel provides a key navigational entrance to Brisbane Water that is used by recreational and commercial vessels, including the highly-popular ferry service,” Crouch said.
“History shows us that the channel between Half Tide Rocks and Ettalong Beach needs occasional dredging because of its dynamic nature with shifting sand creating shoals that threaten boating access.
“Dredging will be carried out near Box Head, as investigations have shown that shoaling is causing waves to break and create potential hazards for vessels entering and exiting the channel.
“Keeping the Ettalong Channel safe and accessible is significant to support both commercial operators and recreational users.
“Once further investigation work has been completed by NSW Maritime and the project receives planning approval, I will inform our community of the scope and timeline for this important work.”
The state-wide program, which is being overseen by NSW Maritime, will also focus on the Swansea Channel, Town Green Moorings at Port Macquarie, Bermagui Boat Harbour and Evans Head Boat Harbour.
Source:
Media release, July 27
Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch