Clearer sailing for boaties as long-term dredging solution approved

The Swansea Channel's long-awaited permanent sand dredging solution has been officially approved, providing surety of access for Lake Macquarie boaties.

Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley will formally announce on Friday that the state government has 10-year approval for Transport for NSW to operate the dredge in the Swansea Channel.

The fourth leg of the short-term dredging program began in May to remove 10,000 cubic metres of sand from the channel and pump it onto Elizabeth Island.

However, this 10-year dredging program will mean the 12-metre vessel, known as a Beaver 30, will be stationed inside Swansea Channel permanently.

The dredge will provide the initial removal of up to 83,000 cubic metres of sand from the main channel, which will be pumped underneath the Pacific Highway and deposited on Blacksmiths Beach near the Belmont Golf Course.

The federal Labor government provided $10 million towards the 10-year dredging operation and the state government has contributed $6 million to operate and maintain the equipment, including transferring the dredged sand to nourish Blacksmiths Beach.

"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," Ms Catley said.

"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.

"I want to thank everyone who contributed through the consultation process. Local feedback from residents, businesses and waterway users has been vital in shaping a long-term approach that works for the community."

Maintenance dredging will occur every one to two years to maintain safe navigational depths of 60 metres wide and 3.5 metres deep relative to Australian Height Datum.

"Having environmental approval in place for the next 10 years will allow maintenance dredging to respond more quickly to the needs of the waterway," acting Transport for NSW maritime executive director Darren Wood said.

"The program will support safer and more reliable navigation while providing a sustainable framework for managing dredged sand."

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