Dredging of waterways

Dredging is an important environmental management activity that makes it easier and safer for boats to navigate our waterways.

When considering the need for dredging in the Shoalhaven, Council works with Transport for New South Wales (TfNSW), as well as other state government agencies, to determine the reasoning behind the need, how feasible it would be to undertake, and whether or not it would be in line with current legislation.

Sites typically considered for dredging are areas where natural sand shoaling or the build-up of sediments makes it difficult for boats to access or navigate the waterways safely, such as coastal areas next to river entrances and waterways, and lakes.

Council has previously considered and assessed dredging at a number of sites, including but not limited to:

  • Shoalhaven River (at Shoalhaven Heads)
  • Sussex Inlet
  • St Georges Basin
  • Lake Conjola
  • Moona Moona Creek
  • Currambene Creek

When managing dynamic environments such as lakes, river entrances and waterways, it is important for Council to have a detailed understanding of the local environment where the dredging is proposed.

This means that while dredging can provide benefits for navigation, accessibility and safety, Council must also consider how dredging will affect an area across a number of environmental, social, economic and legal factors, such as:

  • if it aligns with current policies and statutory guidelines
  • if/how it will impact environmental sustainability
  • if/how it will impact cultural heritage (Indigenous and non-Indigenous)
  • if/how it will affect sediment transport and flow dynamics
  • if/how it will impact on sensitive ecosystems, wetlands and seagrass beds
  • if/how it will impact on fish habitats and passages

Dredging as a coastal management activity is currently being considered and assessed within Council's Coastal Management Programs (also known as 'CMPs'), which include Lower Shoalhaven River, St Georges Basin, Sussex Inlet, Swan Lake and Berrara Creek, and Lake Conjola. Although Council has historically undertaken dredging within the Shoalhaven, future dredging works may be undertaken at a State Government level. Council will continue to support the State Government in assessing and determining future dredging activities.

 

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