BY ZARA HANDSCOMB
Swansea Channel will soon be dredged again following an announcement from the NSW Government.
It comes as part of a $6.2 million program which will also see dredging works undertaken at Town Green Moorings at Port Macquarie, Bermagui Boat Harbour, Ettalong Channel at Brisbane Water, and Evans Boat Harbour at the Entrance to Evans River.
Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Taylor Martin says the work will ensure to free up space for recreational and commercial boast users
"Swansea Channel is considered a key investment location under the NSW coastal dredging strategy, which means when funding is available for dredging, the waterway is given priority," Mr Martin said.
The Channel has long been a point of contention between the local member, who has called for a permanent solution for years, and the state government.
Swansea MP Yasmin Catley says while she welcomes the funding, the government must stop its adhoc approach and fund a permanent dredge.
"We'd like to see a commitment from the government to purchase a dredge that is able to be used in all of these locations...so that we can have an ongoing maintenance program and people can have the confidence that the channel is navigable at all times," Ms Catley said.
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| Image: Royal Haskoning |
