After years of campaigning for a permanent solution for dredging Swansea Channel, a new purpose-built dredge has arrived on Lake Macquarie and is preparing to get to work.
The Turkulliko is undergoing its final water trials ahead of its first major mission: removing around 83,000 cubic metres of sand from two of the channel’s most persistent problem areas.
It marks a major milestone in the delivery of a long-term strategy to maintain safe and reliable access to Lake Macquarie.
The critical fix is the result of a $10 million investment by the Federal Government through its Priority Community Infrastructure Program, which also includes upgrades to the Blacksmiths boat ramp.
The Minns Labor Government has contributed an additional $6 million to support the operation of the new system for the next five years, managed through Transport for NSW Maritime, establishing an ongoing dredging capability for Swansea Channel.
The purpose-built dredger has the ability to remove more than 1,000 cubic metres of sand a day, with material pumped by pipeline to Nine Mile Beach, south of Belmont Golf Club.
Its first major campaign will focus on the Dog Leg and Drop Over, establishing a navigational channel approximately 60 metres wide and three metres deep.
The dredge has been given the Awabakal name Turkulliko, meaning “to drag along” or “to draw”.
Commissioning is expected to be completed by the end of August, with dredging planned to begin afterwards in September.
Minister for the Hunter and Member for Swansea, Yasmin Catley said:
“This is a huge win for boaties and the Lake Macquarie community.
“We have fought for years for a permanent solution to Swansea Channel. Now the dredge is here, it’s on the water and it’s about to get to work.
“Swansea Channel is the gateway between our lake and the ocean. Keeping it open and safe matters to boaties, local businesses and our entire visitor economy.
“We’ve had dredging campaigns before. What we haven’t had is a dedicated, long-term solution to keep on top of the problem. That’s what changes today.
“This community campaigned hard for this. I was proud to stand with locals at Swansea Yacht Club and fight for it, and I’m even prouder to see it being delivered.”
Minister for Roads and Regional Transport, Jenny Aitchison said:
“After years of advocacy, seeing a dredge on Lake Macquarie marks the start of a long-term approach to keeping Swansea Channel open and accessible.
“Having a dedicated dredge gives Transport for NSW the ability to manage sand build-up over the long term, rather than simply responding when navigation becomes difficult.
“For the thousands of boats using Swansea Channel each year, this is about creating a safer, deeper and more dependable passage into and out of Lake Macquarie.”