newy.com.au – Planning approval has been granted for a 10-year dredging program in Swansea Channel, clearing the way for long-term works aimed at keeping the Lake Macquarie waterway navigable year-round.
The plan allows Transport for NSW to carry out an initial removal of up to 83,000 cubic metres of sand from the main channel, followed by maintenance dredging every one to two years to maintain safe navigational depths.
The program is intended to maintain a channel about 60 metres wide and 3.5 metres deep relative to Australian Height Datum, giving boaters and marine businesses greater certainty after years of staged dredging works to keep the channel open.
Minister for the Hunter and Member for Swansea Yasmin Catley said the approval delivered on a commitment to the local community.
“I made a commitment to the locals that we would deliver a long-term dredging solution for the Swansea Channel and today we are delivering on that promise,” Ms Catley said.
“This is a 10-year plan that provides boaties with the certainty they need that the channel will be maintained at a safe and reliable navigational depth.
“Until now, we’ve relied on staged dredging works, which have removed tens of thousands of cubic metres of sand and sediment to keep the channel open.”
Transport for NSW publicly displayed the Review of Environmental Factors in December 2025 and received 74 submissions from community members, industry representatives and government agencies. Feedback covered navigational access, dredging frequency, sand placement, environmental impacts, climate resilience, funding and the benefits to tourism, local businesses and the boating community.
A submissions report has now been published outlining how that feedback was considered in the planning assessment.
The long-term program will be supported by a new dredge and sand transfer system funded through a $10 million investment from the Albanese government and Lake Macquarie City Council. The NSW government will contribute a further $6 million to operate and maintain the equipment, including transferring dredged sand to nourish nearby beaches.
Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison said the approval would allow a faster response to changing conditions in the channel.
“With planning approval now secured to dredge this channel for the next 10 years, Transport for NSW will be able to respond more quickly to changing conditions and keep the channel safer and more reliable,” Ms Aitchison said.
Acting Transport for NSW Maritime Executive Director Darren Wood said having environmental approval in place for the next decade would allow maintenance dredging to better meet the needs of the waterway.
“The program will support safer and more reliable navigation while providing a sustainable framework for managing dredged sand,” Mr Wood said.
Lake Macquarie Mayor Adam Shultz said Swansea Channel was vital to the local economy, supporting tourism, marine businesses and recreational boating.
“Council has long advocated for a sustainable, long-term solution for Swansea Channel and we welcome this commitment from the NSW and Australian governments,” Cr Shultz said.
