Milestone Reached in Swansea Channel Dredging Project, Improving Access To Lake Macquarie

The long-awaited dredging of Swansea Channel has officially been completed, delivering a safer and more reliable route for boaters accessing Lake Macquarie. The two-stage operation, which began nearly a year ago, has successfully cleared 30,000 cubic metres of sand from the channel.

The final stage of dredging involved the removal of 13,000 cubic metres of sediment from critical areas, including the stretch from the Dog Leg southeast of Elizabeth Island to the Drop Over near Swan Bay. With the dredging completed, the channel now features a 30-metre-wide passage with a depth of 2.5 metres at low tide. Boaters are advised to check their vessel’s draft before venturing out.

The dredged sand has been placed on Elizabeth Island, a move aimed at creating favourable habitats for shorebirds while also managing invasive species such as Bitou Bush. Environmental safeguards will continue to monitor the area, ensuring that both the ecological balance and navigational safety are maintained.

Yasmin Catley, MP for Swansea, celebrated the project’s completion, highlighting the government’s commitment to delivering on its promise of making the Swansea Channel consistently navigable. “This work not only ensures safer access but also supports Lake Macquarie’s vibrant boating community,” Catley said.

As the summer boating season approaches, attention now shifts to the future, with NSW Maritime developing a 10-year Review of Environmental Factors (REF) for Swansea Channel. The REF will be open for community feedback later this year and forms part of the NSW Government’s broader strategy to maintain access to key coastal waterways.