Evans Head Boat Harbour is one of five NSW waterways across the state set to benefit from one of the biggest ever programs of fully funded dredging to be carried out by the Nationals in the NSW Government, Clarence Nationals MP Chris Gulaptis has announced.
Mr 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 statewide 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 NSW Government stimulus funding commitment, part of the $205 million allocated to maritime infrastructure and projects.
“In these continuing difficult times, we are doing all we can to help out our coastal communities with the support they need to get on with the job,” he said.
“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.
“Once further investigation work has been completed, the full program and timeline for the work will be communicated to the community.”
