The Minns Labor Government is inviting the Swansea community to have their say on a new 10-year environmental plan to support ongoing dredging in Swansea Channel.
Transport for NSW has prepared a Review of Environmental Factors seeking environmental approval for dredging works to maintain safe and reliable access through the channel.
This consultation follows the third stage of maintenance dredging work completed earlier this year, which delivered improvements to navigability and safety in areas previously impacted by sediment build-up.
Following the busy boating season, an additional stage of maintenance dredging will take place next year.
The Review of Environmental Factors coincides with progress on the new Dredge and Sand Transfer System, a permanent solution designed to keep the channel open year-round.
Once approved, the Review of Environmental Factors will be valid for 10 years and will serve as the planning approval required to install and operate the new system.
Transport for NSW is working in partnership with the Australian Government and Lake Macquarie City Council as part of a multi-agency initiative.
In November 2024, the Federal Government committed $10 million to deliver the new dredge system in collaboration with the NSW Government and Council.
The NSW Government contributed an additional $6 million to fund the operation and maintain the dredging equipment.
Community feedback is now sought on the environmental considerations for the dredging program, including potential impacts during construction and ongoing operations.
Residents are invited to meet the project team at the Swansea Library Ocean Room, 228 Pacific Highway, on the following dates:
Monday 8 December, 3pm–6pm
Tuesday 9 December, 10am–1pm
For more information on the Review of Environmental Factors and to provide feedback, visit the Have Your Say page.
Have Your Say closes on 21 December 2025.
Member for Swansea, Yasmin Catley said:
We’ve worked incredibly hard to get Swansea Channel to where it is today, moving tens of thousands of cubic metres of sand to keep the waterway open, safe and operating the way it should.
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.
For locals who depend on the channel – for business, for boating or simply to enjoy the lake – this is a significant step toward securing a new Dredge and Sand Transfer System and giving people confidence that the waterway will stay accessible.
I encourage everyone to get involved in the Have Your Say process. Strong community input will help us shape a better, more resilient future for everyone who loves and uses our waterways.”