A permanent dredging solution for the Swansea Channel is here thanks to a $10 million election commitment from the Albanese Labor Government.
The Lake Macquarie Dredge has arrived and is ready to get to work later this month. The Dredge will be named Turkulliko, an Awabakal word meaning to “drag along” or “to draw”.
One of the key commitments in Labor’s Lake Macquarie Economic Development Package at the 2022 Federal Election was $10 million for Lake Macquarie City Council to purchase a permanent dredge, providing a long-term and cost-effective solution to the recurring build-up of silt and sand in Swansea Channel.
The accumulation of silt and sand in the channel made it unpredictable and, at times, unsafe for vessels to navigate. This placed pressure on the local Lake Macquarie Marine Rescue volunteers - the busiest Marine Rescue unit on the East Coast. Marine Rescue faced increased demand, with volunteers frequently called on to assist vessels stranded due to the channel’s shallow and unpredictable waterways.
Dredging Swansea Channel will deliver several key benefits, including safer passage for vessels, greater opportunities for local businesses and industry, and a boost to tourism across Lake Macquarie.
A permanent dredge can also provide ecological benefits and contribute to the health of our local marine ecosystems. Improved water flows help maintain healthy estuaries, which are important for supporting marine biodiversity, including fish, shorebirds, algae, plant species and other marine life.
Once operational, the Lake Macquarie Dredge will establish a 60-metre-wide channel to a depth of around 3 metres, removing an estimated 1,000 cubic metres of sand a day. The sand collected during dredging process will then be pumped onto Nine Mile Beach, helping to replenish the beach and protect our beautiful coastline from erosion.
The arrival of the Dredge builds on the Albanese Labor Government’s commitment to improving access to Lake Macquarie. As part of the $10 million commitment, funding was also provided to help upgrade the Blacksmiths boat ramp, making it easier and safer to get vessels onto the lake.
This announcement is a significant step forward for the Lake Macquarie community. A permanent dredging solution has been something many locals have fought and advocated for over many years.
Quotes attributable to Hon Pat Conroy MP, Federal Member for Shortland
“Our community has been waiting for a permanent dredging solution for the Swansea Channel for too long. Today, that wait is finally over, with our very own Lake Macquarie Dredge now here on the lake. This is a huge win for our community.”
“I’m proud to have stood up with our community and help deliver the $10 million needed for a permanent dredge. Our investment will help ensure our Lake remains safe and accessible for locals, delivering a safer and more reliable Swansea Channel for everyone.”
“Having a permanent dredge for the Swansea Channel also means that we can unlock new opportunities for local businesses, attract more visitors to the area and support greater economic activity across Lake Macquarie.”
“The benefits of this Dredge go beyond the Swansea Channel. With the Dredge pumping sand onto Nine Mile Beach, it will help replenish our beaches and protect them from erosion. This will help protect beaches like Blacksmiths Beach, making sure our beautiful coastline is preserved for years to come.”