Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional Infrastructure and Services Andrew Stoner has announced a call for tenders to dredge Swansea Channel.
“Swansea Channel is the gateway to Lake Macquarie and dredging it will ensure it remains accessible ,” Mr Stoner said.
“We are hoping for work to get underway soon so the popular Channel is accessible to larger boats in the area.”
The call for tenders comes only six weeks after Mr Stoner announced the Government would provide $360,000 to fund for the interim dredging campaign.
Mr Stoner also said the interim dredging campaign was the first step in implementing a report on the long-term navigational dredging strategy for Swansea Channel.
Member for Swansea Garry Edwards said the Government was now asking the stakeholder steering group guiding the project for their comments on the report, Towards a Sustainable Framework for Navigation in Swansea Channel.
“The report was provided to the stakeholders so they can study the options and provide feedback before the recommendations are acted on, ” Mr Edwards said.
The current dredging is being delivered by NSW Crown Lands, who have engaged NSW Public Works to manage the project. It is hoped that a suitable contractor will be able to commence work in early December.
The tender closes on Thursday November 7, 2013.
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Press Release, October 31, 2013