MidCoast Council's dredging at Farquhar Inlet for safer boat navigation is complete

MidCoast Council's contractor, Dredging Solutions, finalised the works this month, which saw a total of 33,010 cubic metres of sand removed from the three areas of the estuary.

The final figure was more than originally expected, council said, a result of the large amount of sediment and major changes that the March floods made to the inlet.

Majority of the dredge spoil was pumped back into the ocean at Mitchells Island while a small amount was deposited on the sand island near Cowan's Lane, west of Charlie's Island. This will help protect threatened shorebird habitat, council said.

Council said the dredging project was challenging due to the low tides and dredge pipe blockages, however the completed project will deliver benefits to users.

"This section of the estuary was heavily choked with sand and movement was tricky for anything but the smallest of vessels," council's manager natural systems, Gerard Tuckerman said.

"Boating safety officers have had major safety concerns with this area over recent years so it's great that this project has alleviated these concerns and the public now have a much deeper channel in place."

Final works saw the dredge removed from Bohnock Boat ramp via crane on Thursday September 9.

"The project was possible thanks to a grant from the NSW Government's Rescuing Our Waterways Program which was matched by funding from council's environmental rate," Mr Tuckerman added.

To find out about other dredging projects that have taken place across the MidCoast head to www.midcoast.nsw.gov.au/dredging.

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