Evans Head Boat Harbour is one of five waterways set to benefit from one of the biggest programs of fully funded dredging to be carried out by the NSW Nationals in the state government.
NSW Nationals Member for Clarence Chris Gulaptis said a total of $6.2 million worth of dredging work will be carried out at the Evans Head Boat Harbour at the entrance to Evans River, Swansea Channel at Lake Macquarie, Town Green Moorings at Port Macquarie, Bermagui Boat Harbour, and Ettalong Channel at Brisbane Water.
“Maintaining access to coastal river entrances and harbours is vital in keeping our boating community safe,” Mr Gulaptis said.
“This is positive news that will benefit both the commercial and recreational fishing communities as well as pleasure craft.
“It has been six years since the Evans River was last dredged so this is very welcome news.”
Mr Gulaptis said NSW Maritime, in its new role overseeing the state-wide dredging program, identified Evans Head as a priority location after carrying out investigations and input from local communities.
“Some waterways are more prone than others to the natural process of sedimentation, in which sand and silt washes downstream and gradually fills channels or berthing areas,” he said.
“This can have far-reaching economic impacts for communities which are dependent on their fishing and boating industries.”
Mr Gulaptis said the dredging work would be made possible with a $6.2 million funding commitment from the NSW Nationals in the state government, part of the $205 million allocated to maritime infrastructure and projects.
“This stimulus package will play a critical role in creating jobs to plan and deliver this infrastructure to assist with the recovery of the state’s economy from the COVID-19 pandemic,” he said.
“Once further investigation work has been completed, the full program and timeline for the work will be communicated to the community.”
Transport for NSW will carry out the survey work to develop the scope for dredging works.
