National Dredging Services is undertaking the work as part of Hastings River maintenance works in June and July.

Department of Industry, Lands and Water, environmental officer David Hopper, said the works were expected to be completed in early August.

"The project involves the dredging of approximately 14,000 cubic metres of marine sand and pumping it to North Shore Beach for placement and beach nourishment," said Mr Hooper.

Boat users have been advised by Roads and Maritime Services that people in the vicinity must comply with directions given by a boating safety officer or police officer in relation to marine safety, or risk a potential fine of $3300.

Vessels are required to maintain a safe distance and speed of less than four knots near the works, with a potential fine of $5500.

Local whale watching business operator Anthony Heeney said the dredging is welcomed by the commercial boating industry.

"It needs to be done and I'm very very happy it is being done," said Mr Heeney.

"The channel has been getting narrower and narrower.

"For vessels that are coming in such as big commercial operators it can be very tight trying to cross each other going through the channel."

Mr Heeney said he would like to see the dredged material be put to good use.

"The amount of sand that has built up over the years has been amazing. It has made safe passage in the bar area a lot more difficult," he said.

"I think what they should be doing is putting the dredged sand on the land and selling it off.

"It doesn't need to go back into the drink where it's just going to wash into the channel again.

"It's big in the construction industry, let's make some money out of it."

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