The NSW Government announced $1.2 million in dredging work for Bermagui’s river and harbour to remove excess sand and support the region’s boating industry.
Member for Bega Andrew Constance said work will get underway at Bermagui this week following the completion of dredging work at Batemans Bay.
“$1.2 million has been allocated under the NSW Government’s Coastal Dredging Strategy for upcoming boat channel maintenance work at Bermagui.
“This dredging work will involve the clearing of navigation channels in the Bermagui River and Bermagui Boat Harbour,” Mr Constance said.
“This important local waterway is affected by sand accumulating over time that can restrict boating access and requires occasional dredging.
“About 20,000 cubic metres of clean marine sand will be removed from the main navigation channels at the Bermagui River and deposited at Horseshoe Bay Beach and Morehead Beach.
“A further 7,600 cubic metres of sand will be dredged from the Bermagui Boat Harbour entrance and stockpiled for future use.
“This work will ensure continued access through the waterways and to local maritime infrastructure for commercial and recreational boaters.”
Mr Constance said the dredging at Bermagui will follow the completion of $522,000 in dredging at Batemans Bay.
“The dredging work at Batemans Bay has removed about 10,000 cubic metres of sand from the Clyde River entrance bar to clear the channel to a depth of at least 2.6 metres.
“This will ensure continued boat access to the bay, local marina and other maritime facilities. Dredged sand has been pumped to an active shoal near Surf Side Beach where wave currents will move it to help replenish the beach.”
The dredging work at Batemans Bay and Bermagui is being undertaken by Sandpiper Dredging Pty Ltd following tenders that were called by the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment – Crown Lands.
Minister for Water, Property and Housing Melinda Pavey welcomed the work.
“Healthy waterways are the lifeblood of coastal communities like Batemans Bay and Bermagui so it’s vital we keep them clear and functional for commercial fishing, recreational boating and tourism,” Minister Pavey said.
