In January, Port Stephens MP Kate Washington announced a multi-million-dollar funding proposal to clear out the sand that has built up within the estuary, between the Singing Bridge and Corrie Island.

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As we approach August, a large and growing tidal sand island is now clearly visible on the ebb tide.

Myall River Action Group spokesman Gordon Grainger has questioned the lack of action, as well as the layers of bureaucracy that surrounds any environmental action in the river.

“The money has come down from the State Government, however we are still awaiting licence approvals from various other government agencies, as well as having difficulty in procuring a dredge operator,” Gordon told NOTA.

“The fact that approvals are needed for the section from Corrie to the Bridge seems unnecessary, particularly as no new testing is required for the western/Corrie channel, and the Natural Eastern Entrance, as they were approved previously.

“Has any thought been given to a State-owned dredging operation?”

As previously reported in NOTA, there is a significant dearth of contractors who possess the machinery and know-how to dredge such environments, and many have left chasing more plentiful dredge money interstate.

Corrie Island, as a specifically named area in the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, is also subject to restrictions relating to the migratory bird season, which is due to start again in October, running until next March.

“There is little to no possibility for any dredging operation to take place this year, and we can only thank Mother Nature in scouring the sand build up around the eastern channel and allowing the ferry operators the continuing and vital service to the community,” Gordon added.

By Thomas O’KEEFE