Dredging to remove more than 150,000 cubic metres of sand from the Tweed River entrance as part of the Tweed Sand Bypassing Project has been completed.
Member for Tweed Geoff Provest said a total of 151,360 cubic metres of sand was extracted from the Tweed River entrance where it impeded boating access.
“This dredged sand has been relocated offshore from Fingal Beach and Duranbah Beach and also off Snapper Rocks and Tugun/Bilinga on the southern Gold Coast,” Mr Provest said.
“The relocation of sand at Fingal and Tugun/Bilinga will help address community concerns about the more even distribution of sand.”
The Tweed Sand Bypassing Project is a joint initiative of the NSW and Queensland Governments together with the City of Gold Coast.
Mr Provest said the Project operates in perpetuity, ensuring the Tweed River Entrance is navigable while delivering an average of 500,000 cubic metres of sand each year to maintain the amenity of the Gold Coast’s southern beaches.
“The dredge ship the ‘Albatros’ put in an exceptional performance to complete the work in under four weeks,” Mr Provest said.
“The work commenced on 14 July and was initially expected to take six to eight weeks.
“This dredging will ensure a safe and navigable entrance to the Tweed River for the region’s fishermen, tourism operators and recreational water users.”