Supporting safer
and more accessible waterways
Member for Gosford, Liesl Tesch has welcomed the announcement by the NSW Government of $44 million to the new Boating Infrastructure and Dredging Scheme, supporting the delivery of much needed boating infrastructure and dredging works across NSW, including in the Ettalong Channel.
Member for Gosford, Liesl Tesch at the Ettalong Channel during 2023 dredging.
14 August 2024
OF the $44 million commitment, $16 million over three years has been allocated for dredging at key locations along the NSW Coast, including $8.5 million for dredging projects at Swansea, Ettalong, Coffs Harbour and Myall River. This funding will ensure boating accessibility and safe waterway navigation, as well as continuing towards ongoing dredging projects.
Ms Tesch has welcomed news of this funding commitment, which will also enable NSW Maritime to continue works on the development of a 10-year dredging plan of nine high-priority locations, including the Ettalong Channel.
“The NSW Government is committed to improving safety and accessibility for all water users on our waterways, and I am thrilled to see the commitment of funding for ongoing dredging works along the NSW Coastline, including at Ettalong," Ms Tesch said.
“Central Coast locals are all too aware that dredging of the Ettalong Channel has been an ongoing issue, which has previously been completed in a haphazard way under the former Liberal Government once the Channel becomes completely impassable. It is fantastic to see the ongoing commitment of the NSW Government to creating a 10-year dredging plan, which will include a plan for long-term maintenance dredging of the entire Ettalong Channel.”
Alongside this $16 million commitment for dredging works, the Boating Infrastructure and Dredging Scheme will also commit $28 million towards public boating amenities over four years and includes the following sub-programs:
Boating Infrastructure for Communities – this grants program will target improved access for older boaters and boaters with a disability.
Boating Infrastructure Maintenance – a grants program providing funding for minor repair and maintenance works on boating infrastructure owned by councils and community groups across NSW.
Boating Infrastructure Emergency Repair Scheme – funding support to repair and replace assets impacted by natural disasters and severe weather events.
“Central Coast waterways are some of the most beautiful in the world. I am so passionate about the importance of our waterways to the quality of life of Coasties, and getting out in a boat is one of the best ways to take in the beauty of Central Coast waterways and beyond, said Ms Tesch.
“This program will support our local community to plan for, build and maintain waterway infrastructure, reinvesting boating fees into public infrastructure, keeping it safe and accessible for future generations.”
Registrations of interest for the grants programs will be open later this year, with successful applicants to be announced in 2025.
For more information on the new Boating Infrastructure and Dredging Scheme, visit Boating Infrastructure and Dredging Scheme | Transport for NSW.