Dredging work commences in Batemans Bay

Transport for NSW Maritime has commenced a four-week dredging operation in Batemans Bay to support navigation for commercial and recreational vessels.

A dredge vessel has arrived in The Bay and will focus on the Clyde River Bar, removing up to 30,000 cubic metres of sand. The dredged sand will be taken offshore, around 600 metres from the Surfside Beach shore.

The dredging aims to maintain a navigable channel approximately 40 metres wide and to a depth of -2.6 metres Lowest Astronomical Tide (LAT).

The start of the project follows community consultation on the Review of Environmental Factors (REF), which provided valuable input to guide the work. As a result of this feedback, a dredging monitoring system has been developed to assess the dredging impact and inform future projects. Monitoring stations will measure the velocity of water movement, as well as the direction and turbidity of sediment transport.

Transport for NSW Maritime Executive Director, Mark Hutchings, said the dredging will help keep Batemans Bay accessible and safe for all users.

He said dredging is a key part of waterway management, helping maintain navigation channels and access to maritime infrastructure. The project addresses community feedback on erosion, sand placement and navigation dredging, ensuring both recreational and commercial vessels can continue to navigate the bay safely.

Member for Bega, Dr Michael Holland, said the project demonstrates the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to maintaining safe access to waterways along the South Coast.

“Batemans Bay is a vital hub for tourism, fishing and local boating activity,” Dr Holland said.