Another step forward for Lake Cathie dredging plans

Plans to dredge Lake Cathie have taken another step forward with Port Macquarie Hastings Council (PMHC) meeting with contractors today to discuss the operation. 

“PMHC Coast and Estuary Coordinator Ben Foster advised that a dredge will likely occur within the next 6-8 weeks, following a detailed assessment of the lake’s water levels to ensure the equipment can be safely and securely deployed,” the council said.

“The first step will be to undertake a detailed survey to ascertain the water depths in order for our contractors Dredging Solutions to plan for how to proceed, such as where they need to launch their dredging boat,” Mr Foster said. 

“The boat needs adequate water in the lake for it to maintain a suitable buoyancy. While we are confident there is enough water to safely undertake the operation, we do need collect this data to safeguard against any possible issues. 

“With forecasted rain on the horizon, this will only help our chances of getting the dredge in sooner. We are confident that we will be able to commence the works within the next 4-6 weeks.” 

It has been a week since southerly swells built up the sand berm across the entrance, which closed the lake to the ocean after 16 months. 

According to the council, it will be the first dredging event in the system since 2018.