Batemans Bay Dredging
Project overview
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.
Latest news
September 2025 - Batemans Bay Dredging Submissions Report Now Available
We would like to thank everyone who provided feedback during the public consultation process.
We’re pleased to share the Submissions Report (PDF, 7.95 MB), which summarises the valuable input received from the community.
The report confirms that the proposed dredging method is the most effective approach to maintain safe navigation through the Clyde River Bar, the primary objective of this project and welcome news for the local boating community.
Key themes raised during consultation included:
- erosion at Surfside Beach
- sand placement strategies
- ongoing sand movement.
We acknowledge that erosion at Surfside Beach is a significant concern for residents. In response, we undertook additional modelling which shows that strategically placing dredged sand offshore can, over time, allow natural coastal processes to transport sand toward Surfside Beach delivering some beach nourishment benefits. Similar modelling techniques are used to inform dredging methodologies across the state.
We’ve also committed to post-dredging monitoring to assess the project’s impacts and inform future dredging activities. Importantly, this community engagement has sparked interest from other agencies, who are now exploring collaborative solutions to help minimise and improve erosion outcomes.
With final approvals underway, we’re one step closer to dredging at the Clyde River Bar and will update the community when work is set to begin.
Thank you again for your engagement and support. We look forward to delivering this important maritime project for the region.
June 2025 - Thank you for you feedback
We would like to thank everyone who came to our recent information sessions at Batemans Bay. We appreciate all the feedback and formal submissions we received on the Review of Environmental Factors (REF) (PDF, 27.46 MB), and our proposal to dredge the Batemans Bay bar entrance when needed for the next 10 years, subject to available funding.
Your feedback is important to us and our project team will now consider all the feedback and publish a Submissions Report. Your personal information will not be published in that report.
We will update you when this step has been completed and the report is available to view on our website.
May 2025 – Have your Say on future dredging projects in Batemans Bay
We are seeking your input on the Review of Environmental Factors (REF) (PDF, 27.46 MB) to dredge the bar entrance when needed for the next 10 years and your feedback is key.
Join the Maritime Dredging Team at Bay Pavilions at 12 Vesper St, Batemans Bay, at one of the following information sessions:
- Tuesday 13 May, 3pm to 6pm
- Wednesday 14 May, 2pm am to 5 pm
Or attend our online information session:
- Tuesday 27 May, 6 pm to 7 pm.
You will need to register your interest to attend online, so we can send you a meeting link. Please phone or email us to register your attendance.
For more information on the proposal and how to give your feedback read the latest community update (PDF, 804.58 KB). Have your say closes Monday 2 June 2025.
Project information
Background
The Clyde River Bar is a vital waterway that needs regular dredging to keep vessels moving safely in and out of Batemans Bay.
The NSW Coastal Dredging Strategy - highlights this area as an important investment to improve navigation and support businesses, tourism, and the local economy.
The NSW Maritime Infrastructure Plan - recognises Batemans Bay as a top boating destination, providing access to the Marine Park and Montague Island. It also plays a key role in aquaculture, especially oyster farming, along with marinas, fishing, and tourism. Clear and well-marked channels are essential for the region's growth and ongoing success.
What are we doing?
We are now seeking your feedback on the Review of Environmental Factors and proposed dredging of the Batemans Bay Bar.
Our dredging proposal will:
- Remove about 30,000 cubic metres of sand each dredging campaign
- Provide a minimum 40-metre-wide channel and -2.9 LAT at the Bar.
- Place the dredge sand in water to use the natural power of waves and currents to nourish nearby beaches.
Next steps
After reviewing all feedback received we will publish a Submissions Report with responses to comments received.
Once completed we aim to start dredging in third quarter of 2025.
We will keep you updated as we continue work on this project.
Community information
Community updates
Project documents
Some documents on this page may not comply with accessibility requirements (WCAG).
If you are having trouble accessing information in these documents, please contact us.
Reports
Contact us
For more information contact the project team:
Phone: 1800 271 100