The 2025 dredging works in the Ettalong Channel have been completed in record time.
The Port Frederick dredge, which arrived in May 2025 after sand build-up caused by recent swell events, has been hard at work across four key locations in the channel.
Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch said the channel was once more open to both commuters and the water-loving community.
“This dredging program has been completed in record time,” she said.
“Just over a month since our ferry was placed on a diversion timetable, full services are set to resume thanks to the incredible work of NSW Maritime and the NSW Government.
“This outcome is a true example of the Minns Labor Government’s recognition of the importance of this issue to our local community.
“I look forward to the finalisation of the NSW Government’s 10-year dredging strategy, which will move away from the ad hoc emergency response to dredging and provide proactive certainty to our coastal community.
“This work is being done strategically and collaboratively, as it should always have been.
“My thanks go to the team at NSW Maritime and to our local community, who’ve been patient while the ferry was on diversion timetable.”
The 2025 Ettalong Channel dredging program removed more than 35,000 cubic metres of sand from four different locations along the channel.
The Palm Beach to Ettalong & Wagstaffe ferry will resume normal operations in the coming days after detailed hydrological studies have been completed.
The ferry was placed on a diversion timetable on May 9, with Transport for NSW providing a free alternative bus and ferry shuttle for impacted passengers.
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