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Media release


14 July 2006

Tenders called for dredging of the Lake Illawarra entrance and nourishment of Warilla Beach

Tenders have been called to undertake Lake Illawarra entrance channel dredging and the subsequent  nourishment of Warilla Beach, State Minister for Natural Resources Ian Macdonald said.

Mr Macdonald said the tenders are part of the Lake Illawarra Entrance Works project Stage-2.

“This is important work for the people of the Illawarra, and the State Government is keen for it to be carried out as soon as possible,” Mr Macdonald said. “Tenders for dredging and beach nourishment works will be called tomorrow, and close in late August.

"I’m advised actual dredging should commence by November. By that time the construction of the breakwater structures will be well underway.” 

Minister for the Illawarra David Campbell said the dredging and beach nourishment works should take about nine months to complete.

“The work involves the removal of up to 200,000 cubic-metres of sand from the entrance of Lake Illawarra to form a channel 100-metres wide by two-metres deep,” Minister Campbell said. 

“The channel will extend from the mouth of the lake to Berageree Island – a distance of about one kilometre.

“When the northern and southern breakwaters are completed, about 50 per cent of the sand which currently feeds into the entrance channel from Perkins Beach will be trapped. 

 “As part of the government’s approval for the work, a sand island will also be constructed to provide a suitable bird habitat for roosting and nesting.” 

During dredging boating access to lake entrance waters will be restricted. 

 

Contact: Minister Macdonald's office
Ph: 0403 454 543

Minister Campbell's office
Ph: 0407 570 640