Central Coast Council has successfully moved 45,000 cubic meters of sand from The Entrance Channel as part of the biennial dredging program.

The program, which is partially funded by the NSW Government’s Rescuing Our Waterways program, has seen North Entrance, Karagi Point and The Entrance beaches benefit from sand nourishment as a result of the dredging program.

Council Director Environment and Planning, Scott Cox said Council has been undertaking the dredging program on behalf of the NSW Government for the past 25 years.

“The program helps maintain the exchange of water between the estuary and the ocean, preserves the existing ecological values of the estuary and reduces the impact of flood risks to life and property in low-lying areas around the estuary,” Mr Cox said.

“Dredging was expected to continue for a few more weeks, however due to some equipment repairs and a prevention notice issued by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the dredging program will now cease for the remainder of the year.

“Council has a number of strict licence conditions in place which ensures the local environment and the community are protected and we are confident that we have fully complied with these conditions.

“We take our obligations under the licence seriously and will work with the NSW Government to assess the allegations made in the Prevention Notice.

“We understand there may be some community concern about the program not finishing this year. We will continue to work with the NSW Government and will keep the community informed as we progress.”