On Friday, January 19 Minister for Lands and Forestry Paul Toole, Member for Port Macquarie Leslie Williams and Port Macquarie-Hastings Council Mayor Peta Pinson announced $350,000 would be allocated for the dredging project.

Council’s group manager Maria Doherty said Lake Cathie is an extremely sensitive environment and a wonderful recreational asset for the area.

“As a result there are a number of important actions council are required to undertake take before any dredging work can commence,” she said.

“The lake is a natural waterway, and an ecologically sensitive area that experiences constantly changing environmental conditions.

“Significant planning and strict guidelines including lake surveying and environmental assessments need to occur over the next month to ensure the lake is protected.

“The dredging will see the movement of approximately 21,000 cubic metres of sand that has built up over time, with this material being used for foreshore rehabilitation and beach nourishment.

“The lower lake will be deepened to ensure that swimming and boating activities can occur safely.”

Ms Doherty said lake surveying and dredging environmental assessments is proposed for February. In the same month the crown licence is expected to be secured and a dredging tender will be issued. In April the dredging tender is proposed to be awarded.

Dredging is expected to commence in late May. The dredging works is estimated to take about four weeks to complete.