After receiving a grant from the NSW government, the Wyong Shire Council will begin pumping sand from The Entrance Channel to improve water flow.
The grant is from the NSW Rescuing Our Waterways Program.
Work will start after the Easter school holidays and continue until the end of September.
Council’s Waterways and Coastal Section Manager, Mr Luke Sulkowski, said the funding was welcome as it will help improve water flow at the channel.
“We pump sand out of the channel to encourage and maintain a better exchange of water between the lake and ocean,” Mr Sulkowski said.
“The sand will be pumped from the channel into the surf zone at North Entrance Beach where it will form banks in the ocean and help protect the beach from storm events.
“Last time we dredged the channel we pumped more than 30,000 cubic metres of sand – this time we’re expecting to pump even more.”
Preparation works are now underway and surveyors are on site planning the best route for the dredge.
“Dredging the channel will also enhance the navigation of boats in the channel,” Mr Sulkowski said.
Council’s Mayor, Doug Eaton, said maintaining the health of Tuggerah Lakes is a priority for Council and the community want to see more being done.
“Many years ago the National Parks and Wildlife Service did a study on why people moved here,” Mayor Eaton said.
“The overwhelming result was that they came here because of our natural landscape, our waterways and beaches which made them feel good.
“We want people to love living here and maintaining the health of Tuggerah Lakes is a big part of that.
”Improving the health of the channel will also encourage more visitors to the area and water activities on the lake.
“We know how important tourism is to our economy particularly in creating local jobs. The Entrance has always been our key tourism hub and we are committed to keeping it that way,” Mayor Eaton said.