A long-awaited permanent dredging solution for Swansea Channel is a step closer, with a new custom-built vessel arriving in Lake Macquarie and undergoing water trials.
The Beaver 30 dredge, which will be named Tuirkulliko, is capable of removing more than 1000 cubic metres of sand each day.
Once operational, it will be used to create a deeper and safer passage through the channel for the thousands of boats that use the waterway each year.
The vessel’s Awabakal name translates to “to drag along” or “to draw”, reflecting the work it will carry out in the channel.
Lake Macquarie Mayor Adam Shultz said local boaties had been calling for a long-term solution for years.
“Boaties have long called for a permanent dredging solution for Swansea Channel and it is fantastic to see that day finally arrive,” he said.
“Opening the channel not only increases safety for everyone who uses Lake Macquarie – it opens up our city to bigger and better opportunities for water-based tourism and business.”
The dredge’s first major campaign will focus on two sections of Swansea Channel known as the Dog Leg and the Drop Over.
Around 83,000 cubic metres of sand is expected to be removed to establish a 60-metre-wide channel to a depth of about three metres.
The removed sand will be pumped through a pipeline onto Nine Mile Beach, south of Belmont golf course.
Federal Member for Shortland Pat Conroy said the new vessel would improve access to Lake Macquarie.
“Our community has been waiting for a dredging solution for the Swansea Channel for too long,” he said.
“This dredge will deliver safer, more reliable access to Lake Macquarie for everyone, while boosting tourism, supporting local businesses and creating jobs.”
The Australian Government contributed $10 million towards the project through its Priority Community Infrastructure Program, which also includes funding to upgrade the Blacksmiths boat ramp.
The NSW Government has provided a further $6 million to support operation of the dredging system for the next five years.
State Member for Swansea Yasmin Catley described the vessel’s arrival as a “huge win” for the community.
“We have fought for years for a permanent solution to Swansea Channel,” she said.
“Now the dredge is here, it’s on the water and it’s about to get to work.
“Swansea Channel is the gateway between our lake and the ocean. Keeping it open and safe matters to boaties, local businesses and our entire visitor economy.”
Regional Transport Minister Jenny Aitchison said the vessel would also allow NSW Maritime to respond to unplanned dredging needs as they arise.
Commissioning of Tuirkulliko is expected to be completed by the end of August, with dredging scheduled to begin in September.
Transport for NSW will engage a contractor to carry out the work, with tenders for the vessel’s long-term operation and maintenance expected to be sought later this year.
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