Member for Tweed Geoff Provest today announced the NSW Government has awarded a contract for up to $579,000 for dredging work to maintain boating access to the Tweed Heads Boat Harbour.

Mr Provest said Envirostruct Pty Ltd has been awarded the contract following a competitive tender by the Department of Industry – Crown Lands.

“I’m happy to announce up to $579,000 for dredging works which is in addition to over $2 million spent over the last two years for dredging in the lower Tweed River and Terranora Inlet to maintain navigational access in this very popular waterway.

“The work will focus on the area around the southern boat harbour in Terranora Inlet, which provides safe berthing for recreational and commercial fishing vessels and tourism operators. It also provides access to a fuel station, boat maintenance and other maritime related facilities and services.

“The scope of works has been developed in consultation with harbour users and relevant state and local government authorities. It involves removal of up to 3,000 cubic metres of contaminated sediment from the bed of the harbour area with disposal of material to a licenced waste facility,” Mr Provest said.

Minister for Water, Property and Housing Melinda Pavey said the funding announcement recognised the needs of coastal communities to maintain their waterways.

“This funding has been made available through the NSW Coastal Dredging Strategy and is on top of money already being spent this year through programs such as the North Coast Priority Waterways Dredging,” Ms Pavey said.

“The announcement supports the NSW Maritime Infrastructure Plan which identifies Tweed Heads and Tweed River as a priority location for future investment and highlights the importance of maintaining an accessible navigation channel.”

Dredging works are expected to commence in early July and be completed by early September 2019 pending weather.