THE NSW Government's trumpeting of the completion of the Swansea Channel dredging program has been met with cautious optimism by Lake Macquarie boaters.
The second and final stage of the dredging operation was completed last month, removing 13,000 cubic metres of sediment from areas extending from the Dog Leg southeast of Elizabeth Island to the Drop Over northwest of the Swan Bay Entrance.
It followed the dredging of 16,690 cubic metres of sand in January.
The almost 30,000 cubic metres of sand have been dumped on Elizabeth Island.
"As summer approaches, we're kicking off with a bang, offering lake-goers the opportunity to enjoy the lake in all its glory," Member for Swansea, Yasmin Catley, said.
"[Almost] 30,000 cubic metres of sand lighter. The channel dredging work is complete, meaning boaters can explore the lake with ease."
A spokesman for Lake Macquarie Marine Rescue said it was "too early to tell" if the dredging had satisfactorily improved boating in the popular waterway.
Lake Macquarie Yacht Club commodore Geoff Edham welcomed the dredging, but said there needed to be a long-term commitment to maintain the Swansea Channel.
"It's not completed because in two years time they will have to clear it out a little bit more," Mr Edham said. "It's an ongoing exercise.
"What they've done has been great. I've noticed an increase of visiting vessels to the lake, some getting work done, some just exploring our waterway."
NSW Maritime is developing a 10-year Review of Environmental Factors for Swansea Channel.
Before the dredging program was undertaken Mr Edham said it was almost impossible for larger and medium-keel vessels to sail out of Swansea Heads.
This led to the cancellation of the off-shore series, the Friendship Cup, with Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club for the past six years.
The Friendship Cup is scheduled to return in January.
The state of the Swansea Channel also prevented most Lake Macquarie vessels from competing in major off-shore events like the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race and the Pittwater to Coffs Harbour Yacht Race.
"We've seen a number of clubs from Sydney and Newcastle come into the lake to enjoy the lake," Mr Edham said.
"It's working. Now that it's open we've seen the visitor numbers increase. Not just for tourism, but for people to get work done on their boats.
"It's a positive thing, where we're at at the moment."
