Dredging work to provide a clearer and safer channel into the Tweed River will begin in May.
Member for Tweed Geoff Provest said this work was part of the Tweed Sand Bypassing Project, a joint government initiative of the NSW and Queensland governments.
The project’s twin objectives are to establish and maintain a safe, navigable entrance to the Tweed River and restore and maintain the coastal sand drift to the beaches on the southern Gold Coast.
“Dredging of the Tweed River entrance supports the long-term viability of the local commercial fishing fleet and assists with safe passage for recreational boaters,” Mr Provest said.
“The primary focus of this dredging work, which will involve the removal of approximately 260,000 cubic metres of sand, is to maintain a clear and safe channel for the Tweed River entrance.
“The aim is to keep the Tweed River entrance navigable and deliver a long-term average of 500,000 cubic metres of sand each year to maintain sand supply to the Gold Coast’s southern beaches.”
A sand transport system collects sand from the southern side of the Tweed River entrance at Letitia Spit and pumps it under the river to outlets on the northern side.
Sand accumulated at the Tweed River entrance is removed by a dredge vessel and deposited offshore from Bilinga, Snapper Rocks, Duranbah, Fingal and Dreamtime beaches.
All of the dredging work is subject to environmental controls and monitoring.
Boaters in the area are advised to exercise caution when using the Tweed River entrance during this time.
For more information on the project, visit https://www.tweedsandbypass.nsw.gov.au/