Swansea dredge expected to start operating in December after four-month delay
The $16 million Swansea dredge is in final testing and should start work in December.
The permanent sand dredge, named Tuirkulliko, was launched in August but had delays. The project received $10 million from the federal government and $6 million from NSW.
The dredge is now expected to start working in December. Port Macquarie company Birdon was hired in June 2025 for $7.4 million to source, install and test the dredge and build a sand transfer system.
This system will pump sand from Lake Macquarie to Blacksmiths Beach. Lake Macquarie City Council says Birdon has done more than required and will finish the work soon.
Transport for NSW will take over operation in mid-November. Once running, the dredge will create a wider, deeper channel for safer boating near Marks Point, Pelican and Swansea.
- $16 million
- Total project cost
- $10 million
- Federal funding
- $7.4 million
- Birdon contract award
- 60 metres
- Channel width target
Why it mattersA working dredge improves boating safety and navigation for the community and shows progress on a long-delayed infrastructure project.
AustraliaThe dredge will improve navigation safety for NSW boaters and local businesses on Lake Macquarie once it begins operating.
