Dredge returns as lake's sand solution

The council is finalising plans to move the dredge from dry land, where it has been serviced, into the channel at the end of the month.

It is expected to start work in October clearing sand six days a week.

It will be the first time it has been used to clear the channel since May, 2010.

The dredge is currently sitting in Wallarah Creek at San Remo where it was recently put back into the water after being removed and transported to council's Charmhaven depot for out-of-water maintenance.

Council's manager of natural areas operations Luke Sulkowski said the dredging works would involve the removal of anywhere between 30,000 to 80,000 cubic metres of sand from the channel.

"Although it is open at the moment, dredging will mean we can realign the channel and assist in preventing closure of the channel," Mr Sulkowski said.

"On this occasion, we will be concentrating on dredging a large section at the southern side of the channel."

The sand spoil collected as a result of the dredging works will be used to renourish the northern side of the channel near Karagi Park and Dunleith Caravan Park at The Entrance North.

"There has been erosion occurring over the last 12 months at this location. Our first priority is normally to place the sand on The Entrance North Beach but there is a large beach there at the moment, although we may still place it there if we sufficiently nourish the northern side of the channel."