PORT Macquarie-Hastings Council is dredging lower Lake Cathie to make it a better recreational destination.
Dredging works to deepen the lake and enhance the sand dunes south of the lake will commence in late July.
The council’s development and environment director Matt Rogers said the works would involve dredging sand from the lake and pumping the material via a pipeline to the beach where the material would be used to replenish the beach in front of Illaroo Road.
The dredging contractor was expected to transport equipment to the site and start arranging pipes between the lake and Illaroo Road yesterday.
The dredge will be launched from the boat ramp on the western side of Ocean Drive and access to the ramp will be restricted for a short time while the dredge is launched.
Access to lower parts of the lake and lighthouse beach will be reduced during the works and the public is asked to stay clear of the area during this time.
Completion of the dredging works, valued at $297,345, is expected by mid-September, prior to the school holidays.
The project is jointly funded through the NSW State Government’s Rescuing our Waterways Program and Port Macquarie-Hastings Council.
