Transport for NSW is committed to improve and sustain accessibility to key coastal locations, river entrances and local waterways to improve navigation for commercial and recreational vessels.

We are proposing a 10-year dredging program to maintain the depths within the harbour, particularly for the entrances to the Coffs Harbour Marina and boat ramp. This will help keep these important boating facilities navigable and accessible.

A Review of Environmental Factors (REF) has been prepared that will give us environmental approval to dredge when needed for the next 10 years in Coffs Harbour.

Key details of the proposal:

• An initial dredging campaign in early 2026 to remove a minimum of 100,000 cubic metres of sand. More sand may be removed subject to infilling rates and available budget.
• Maintenance dredging every 1-3 years depending on how fast the sand builds up and available funding to remove about 100,000 cubic metres each time.
• Dredging the marina channel to a depth of - 4.5 metres LAT (Lowest Astronomical Tide),
• Dredging the boat ramp channel to - 2.5 metres LAT.
• Placing the dredged sand offshore, about 150 metres north of Little Mutton Bird Island and 100 metres from the Park Beach shore.

Tell us what you think

We have been working with the local council and other agencies during the development of the REF and we would now like your feedback on proposed future dredging operations for Coffs Harbour.

The REF describes the key features of a dredging project and assesses the potential environmental and social impacts during construction and operation.

Your feedback will help finalise our plans and REF and will be published as part of the submissions report.