SAND build-up in the Myall River has resulted in hospitalisations after boats struck hidden shoals, according to Myall River Action Group.
To highlight the danger, group representatives recently gave Port Stephens MP Kate Washington and government and local council representatives a first-hand view of just how extensively sand has impeded navigation.
“This has become a critical issue,” action group spokesman Gordon Grainger said.
“The school holidays and upcoming summer season inevitably bring an increase of boat traffic on the river.
“How many accidents need to happen before action is taken?”
He said the Myall River from Tea Gardens to the Myall Lakes has largely been ignored over the past decade.
The worst area of siltation is the stretch from Tea Gardens to Black Oak, which has six major shoals. Beyond Black Oak, the river is less silted.
Following their inspection, Maritime Infrastructure Delivery Office (MIDO) and Mid Coast Council representatives acknowledged that key sections of the river needed urgent attention.
“MIDO representatives identified a way forward,” Mr Grainger said.
“The first step is a hydro survey from the bridge to Tamboi to ascertain the extent of sand build-up and identify priority areas requiring urgent intervention.
“They could see first-hand the state of the river and how the build-up of sand could impact tourism in the area, as well as safe boating and commercial fishing, if action is not taken.”
“After the survey, a decision will be made on the best approach to dredging so a cost analysis can be prepared.
“Another priority must be upgrading channel markers to allow safer boating.”
The MIDO representative also committed to listing the river on Maritime Infrastructure Plan 2031.
The action group spokesman said the Swansea dredge was about to become the property of the NSW Government and be used wherever suitable in NSW. The dredge will be operated by contractors.
As well as being an important resource for the commercial fishing industry, the river provides access to the Ramsar-listed Myall Lakes.
The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance is an intergovernmental treaty. It provides the framework for national action and international cooperation for the conservation and use of wetlands and their resources.
For the owner of The Original Tea Gardens Ferry, Kerrie Jeffries, the sand shoals have meant a loss of income.
She’d like to take more visitors upriver on her Lost Landscapes tour to see the abundant birdlife.
However, even the 0.6m draft of her vessel, MV Wallamba can’t get through the navigation lane.
“The river’s only high enough once a month,” Ms Jeffries said.
“I have to wait for a 1.8m tide. Other times we’ve tried, but had to turn around and come back.
“At one shoal, my skipper went over the side to check the depth and the water was only knee-high.”
With other agencies also involved in the dredging decision, she’s not confident of a speedy resolution.
“I’m not holding my breath,” she said.
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