A pivotal long-term plan to ensure the ongoing navigability of Swansea Channel is now open for community consultation, marking a significant step towards a permanent solution for the popular Lake Macquarie waterway.
A Decade of Dredging on the Table
Transport for NSW has released a Review of Environmental Factors (REF) seeking planning approval for maintenance dredging works over the next ten years. The goal is to maintain safe and reliable access through the channel, which is crucial for local businesses, recreational boaters, and residents.
This consultation follows the recent completion of the third stage of maintenance dredging earlier in 2025, which successfully improved navigability in areas previously affected by significant sediment build-up.
Pathway to a Permanent Solution
The REF is intrinsically linked to the progress on a new Dredge and Sand Transfer System, a permanent infrastructure solution designed to keep the channel open year-round. Once approved, the REF will be valid for a decade and will serve as the necessary planning approval to install and operate this new system.
Member for Swansea, Yasmin Catley, emphasised the importance of community involvement. "As we wrap up the year, we're closer than ever to locking in a long-term solution that will keep the channel reliably open all year round," Ms Catley said.
"For locals who depend on the channel, for business, for boating or simply to enjoy the lake, this is a significant step. I encourage everyone to get involved in the 'have your say' process."
Funding and Next Steps
The project is a multi-agency initiative involving Transport for NSW, the federal government, and Lake Macquarie City Council. In November 2024, the federal government committed $10 million towards the new dredge system, with the state government contributing a further $6 million for operations and maintenance.
Community feedback is specifically sought on the environmental considerations of the dredging program, including potential impacts during both construction and operation. Residents can meet the project team at the Swansea Library Ocean Room on December 8 from 3pm to 6pm or December 9 from 10am to 1pm.
Following the busy summer boating season, another stage of maintenance dredging is scheduled for next year. The community has until December 21, 2025, to provide feedback on the REF via the project's dedicated 'have your say' webpage.
