Dredging enters final phase in Swansea Channel with long-term solution on horizon

Work has kicked off on the final stage of dredging in the Swansea Channel, a key waterway connecting Lake Macquarie to the Pacific. Around 10,000 cubic metres of sand will be cleared from the Dog Leg area southeast of Elizabeth Island, with the removed material to be placed on the island itself. This marks the last leg of a major program aimed at restoring access and safety for recreational and commercial users alike.

The NSW Government’s three-stage dredging effort, launched in August 2023, has already seen more than 30,000 cubic metres of built-up sand removed. The first two stages tackled the bulk of the sediment, 17,000 cubic metres in the initial phase completed in January 2024, followed by 13,000 more cleared by August the same year. The current works wrap up the campaign, focusing on one of the trickiest parts of the channel to navigate.

Beyond this immediate effort, planning is well underway for a new Dredge and Sand Transfer System. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2027, with the project backed by $16 million in funding from both the Commonwealth and NSW Governments, alongside Lake Macquarie City Council. Once in place, the system will manage sediment year-round and ease the reliance on large-scale, reactive dredging.

Regional Transport and Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison said the project will deliver lasting benefits. “By building and maintaining the system ourselves, we’re creating a more reliable and sustainable future for the channel,” she said, noting the work will keep key boating areas accessible for years to come.

Local MP and Police Minister Yasmin Catley praised the cooperation across government, saying the dredging effort is essential to preserving both safety and the lifestyle that makes Lake Macquarie unique. “We’re keeping our word and making sure this waterway remains a safe and enjoyable space for the community and visitors,” she said.