Minister Haylen: Bermagui, Batemans Bay to benefit from long-term dredging plan

Bermagui and Batemans Bay are set to be two of the first areas in NSW to benefit from the government’s long-term dredging plan to protect access at key coastal locations, river entrances and local waterways, Transport Minister Jo Haylen said.

“We know that keeping Bermagui Harbour open and accessible is a priority for the community,” said Minister Haylen.

“Our long-term dredging plan recognises dredging of a channel is vital in keeping the harbour safe and accessible for boaters up and down the coast. Regular dredging will ensure we keep sand build-ups under control.”

“The benefit of a 10-year Review of Environmental Factors is that it gives us the flexibility to dredge when needed over the coming decade; we won’t need to wait for environmental approvals because they’ll already be in place.”

Transport for NSW Maritime has developed a long-term state-wide dredging program to improve efficiency, reduce costs and enable more consistent and frequent dredging to be undertaken in the future.

Maritime is now developing a 10-year Review of Environmental Factors (REF) for 9 priority areas. They include:

• Bermagui River, Bermagui
• Clyde River, Batemans Bay
• Ettalong Channel, Brisbane Waters
• Swansea Channel, Lake Macquarie
• Hastings River, Port Macquarie
• Coffs Harbour
• Clarence River, Yamba
• Evans River, Evans Head
• Tweed River, Tweed Heads.