A major dredging project to unblock the Myall River and ensure safe boating access will commence in March 2025, with planning and preparations well advanced.
The dredging will focus on three key sites, each critical to maintaining navigational safety:
- Corrie Channel - This channel is dredged approximately every 5 to 10 years to ensure safe passage for boats.
- Eastern Channel of the Myall River - Previously dredged in 2015 and 2020, this section will receive additional dredging to maintain safe water depths.
- Sand Shoals downstream of the Singing Bridge at Tea Gardens - These areas, which have not been dredged before, are now identified as requiring attention to clear navigational hazards.
The dredging project is funded by the state government through Transport for NSW, with MidCoast Council acting as the local delivery partner.
The government provided $2.5 million in January for emergency dredging of the river's navigational channel following concerns that the passageway was in imminent risk of closing over.
"The NSW Government understand the importance of our waterways to our coastal communities, so has delivered funding and approvals to get the dredging done," Port Stephens MP Kate Washington said:
"Our community has been pushing for this project for years and I've been backing them all the way; I can't wait until it kicks off next year.
"I want to thank the Myall River Action Group for their ongoing advocacy which has resulted in this win-win for the community and our environment."
In addition to improving boating safety, the project will allow an increased volume of oceanic water to flush through the estuary.
Dredged sand will be transferred to the Winda Woppa Sand Stockpile and Jimmys Beach for ongoing beach renourishment. This will help preserve and enhance local beaches and shorelines.
All necessary regulatory approvals have been secured for the project, and a request for quotation has been issued to dredging contractors from the Mid Coast Council Dredging Contractor Panel.
"The Myall River Action Group would like to thank Kate Washington in achieving this outcome. Her dedication in working with MidCoast Council to push through the longstanding hurdles and complexities, have been truly invaluable," Myall River Action Group spokesman Gordon Grainger said.
A contractor is expected to be appointed in December 2024, allowing dredging operations to commence in March 2025.
The dredging will take place in a single block, with the entire operation expected to be completed in one continuous phase.
Throughout the project, the local community and river users will be kept informed of dredging start dates and any other updates through regular communication with the successful contractor.
This initiative aligns with the NSW Government's new Boating Infrastructure and Dredging Scheme (BIDS), which will allocate funding for a statewide program aimed at proactive dredging in key priority areas.
"When we came to Government, it was shocking to discover that the Liberals and Nationals had allowed a dredging backlog to build up across the state," Transport Minister Jo Haylen said:
"We've been working hard to develop a comprehensive 10-year dredging plan for high-priority areas like Port Stephens and the rest of the NSW coast, so we can ensure consistent and reliable boat movements across our waterways."
Further updates on the project will be provided to the public once a contractor is confirmed.
