Central Coast Council will commence a dredging program for The Entrance Channel on Monday 16 February 2026.
The commencement of the project follows the June 2025 Ordinary Council meeting resolution to allocate $1.2 million to fund dredging in Tuggerah Lake.
Councillor Rachel Stanton, Chair of the Coastal, Estuary and Floodplain Risk Management Subcommittee said Council’s dredging program responds to community feedback.
“The start of this program shows Council’s commitment to turning community priorities into action. I am eager to see the progress of the dredging program at The Entrance, which will support our community and help mitigate future flood risks,” Councillor Stanton said.
“With another successful Little Tern nesting season at Karagi Point now complete, it is appropriate for Council to begin this work and strengthen its focus on flood preparedness.”
Council Director Environment and Planning, Luke Nicholls said this project is just one component of flood preparedness, which is a joint effort with the community.
“This program is planned to contribute, in part, to the flood preparedness of Tuggerah Lakes estuary when combined with measures such as establishing pilot channels, berm management and emergency openings as required,” Mr Nicholls said.
“The dredging program also aims to provide sand for beach nourishment, allow Council to improve access to Karagi Spit and Karagi Reserve carpark, and realign and widen the current Entrance Channel between the berm and The Entrance bridge, to reduce erosion of the northern shoreline.
“While this works program, which includes both the dredging of the channel and berm management activities, will support flood preparedness, Council also encourages the community to take their own steps to prepare their properties for the flood season.
“While no amount of intervention at The Entrance Channel can ever eliminate flooding in the low-lying floodplain areas around the Tuggerah Lakes estuary, Council is committed to delivering on this community priority.”
Mr Nicolls added that given the sensitivities of the location and other legislative requirements, there are various conditions which need to be adhered to, and which also influenced the timing of the works.
To allow for these works to progress, Karagi Reserve carpark will be closed from Friday 13 February until the dredging program is complete in mid-May.
Picnic Point boat ramp will be used from Tuesday 17 February, when the dredge will be floated into the water for initial testing. The boat ramp will however remain open to the public during this time.
As works continue to progress:
• Please stay clear even when the dredge is not in operation.
• Please keep personal safety front-of-mind and remain behind any barriers Council crews have in place.
Stay up-to-date by checking Council’s website centralcoast.nsw.gov.au or via Council’s Facebook page facebook.com/CentralCoastCouncil
For more information search ‘Dredging Program’ at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au
For flood preparedness information search ‘Plan and prepare’ at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au