Sediment has been gradually accumulating in the back channel over a long period, resulting in shallow areas throughout the channel.

Dredging Solutions will undertake the work on behalf of MidCoast Council and the team will start setting up the dredge, pipeline and booster pumps via the Gordon Smith Reserve Boat Ramp on Tuesday, with dredging expected to begin on October 28.

The works are expected to take 10 weeks and will be completed in time for Christmas period.

"We're really pleased to see this project coming to fruition and no doubt the wider Harrington community will be too," said Paul De Szell, MidCoast Council's director of liveable communities.

"The need for dredging of the back channel has been identified by a number of local groups who regularly use that section of our river and this will result in improved navigation throughout the area, particularly during low tides."

There are several known shallow zones within the back channel that includes the jetty at the northern end, three shallow zones along the middle of the channel, a constricted channel depth and width at the Harrington Waters marina and a build-up of sand at the upstream entrance.

These blockages are affecting the ability for boat traffic to move along the back channel and into the Manning River.

"The project will involve the dredging of up to 15,000 cubic metres of marine sediments from the identified shallow areas of the back channel, ultimately resulting in a safer navigation for boat users," Paul said.

"The dredge spoil will be pumped via a dredge pipeline to Manning Point Beach where it will be used to renourish that section of beach and provide a temporary sand buffer for ongoing beach erosion."

As a result of the works, the Harrington Boat Ramp will be closed on Tuesday, October 22 to allow for the launching of the dredge and associated equipment. Boat users are advised to be aware of changed conditions in the area during the works period, including underwater, anchored pipelines and limited thoroughfare in the channel. A second closure of the boat ramp will be required at the conclusion of the dredging.

Residents located close to the back channel have been advised that the three sand pumping stations will generate low level background noise during the daily operation hours, for a period of about six weeks

Once the beach nourishment operations begin at the northern end of Manning Point Beach no public access will be permitted to the area.

"This project is the result of consultation and collaboration between a range of groups and will result in a number of positive impacts for the MidCoast community and beyond," Paul said.

Funding for the project is being sourced from a NSW Government Rescuing Our Waterways grant and Council's Environmental special rate.

For further information about the project head to the project page on MidCoast Council's website www.midcoast.nsw.gov.au/dredging