The Lake Cathie dredging program is set to begin in coming weeks to address the build-up of sand in the main channel of the lake, Port Macquarie-Hastings Council said in their latest release.
Approximately 21,000 cubic metres of sand will be dredged, and relocated to the edge of Foreshore Reserve to reclaim open space that has been lost to erosion in recent years. Sand will also be relocated for beach replenishment along approximately 400m of the beach, fronting Illaroo Rd.
In late 2017, the council applied to the NSW Government for approval to dredge Lake Cathie, east of Ocean Drive, and in January 2018 funding of $175,000 was secured to complete the dredging.
The council then completed a detailed environmental review to ensure minimal harm to the environment. $175,000 will also be contributed by the council to undertake the $350,000 program of work.
Dredging is expected to take approximately 7 weeks to complete (weather permitting), with council’s appointed contractor, National Dredging Solutions bringing in the required machinery from Tuesday, 15 May.
There will be a week of preparation so that the dredging machinery and equipment can be carefully positioned, and during this preparation stage, sections of the Foreshore Reserve car park will be closed to ensure public safety, said the council.
“ Lake Cathie is an extremely sensitive environmental area, and it’s great that dredging can finally get underway now we have all the required approvals and appointed a dredging contractor, ” said Acting Director Dan Croft.
“It has been a long process to secure an appropriate contractor to complete the work and to ensure that all the necessary licences and approvals from the various different government departments and agencies were in order.”
Dredging operations are expected to start on Monday, 21 May.
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