Posted on November 5, 2025
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.
October 2025 – Emergency Dredging at Coffs Harbour Marina
Starting Friday 31 October, emergency dredging works will commence at the entrance to Coffs Harbour Marina to improve safety for vessels. These works are expected to be completed by the end of the year.
Why is this happening?
Sand has built up at the marina entrance faster than anticipated, making it unsafe for vessels to navigate, particularly during low tide. Dredging is necessary to restore safe access for vessels at all tide levels.
What are we doing?
The dredging will be carried out using a small cutter suction dredge vessel. Approximately 3,000 cubic metres of sand will be removed, with a target depth of -4.5 metres LAT (Lowest Astronomical Tide). The sand will be temporarily placed in water away from the channel and will be removed during a larger dredging program scheduled for next year.
Work schedule
- Monday to Friday: 7 am – 6 pm
- Saturday: 7 am – 6 pm
Changes for boaters
Access to the marina will remain open throughout the works. However, there may be short periods of limited access depending on the dredge vessel’s position. A Marine Notice will be issued, and skippers are advised to read it carefully. Please note that the dredge vessel will move daily, and conditions will change accordingly.
How does this relate to the larger Coffs Harbour 10-year dredging proposal?
This emergency dredging is separate from the larger Coffs Harbour dredging proposal. The 10-year Review of Environmental Factors (REF) and proposal are currently on public display, with feedback closing on Monday 3 November. Approval for the long-term proposal is not expected until 2026, so this smaller-scale work is necessary now to maintain safe ongoing access to the marina.
October 2025 – Have your say on future dredging projects in Coffs Harbour
We are seeking your input on the Review of Environmental Factors (PDF, 12 MB)to dredge Coffs Harbour when needed for the next 10 years and your feedback is key.
Before you give your feedback you can meet the Maritime Dredging Team and ask any questions at Coffs Harbour Yacht Club, 30 Marina Drive, Coffs Harbour at one of the following information sessions:
- Monday 20 October, 3 pm to 6 pm
- Tuesday 21 October, 11 am to 2 pm
For more information on our proposal and how to give your feedback, read the October community update (PDF, 1.14 MB).
Have your say closes Monday 3 November 2025. You can give your feedback by the following methods:
- Online – Click on have your say to provide your feedback
- Email – write your feedback and send to dredging@transport.nsw.gov.au
- Phone – Call us on 1800 271 100 and one of our friendly staff will take your comments.
- Write – You can send your comments by mail to MIDO Dredging, Locked Bag 5100, Rozelle, NSW 1450
Project information
Background
Coffs Harbour is a vital waterway that needs regular dredging to keep vessels moving safely in and out of Marina and Boat Ramp areas.
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 Coffs Harbour as a significant growth area and popular tourist destination for boaters and other visitors to the marina and surrounding area. The harbour is extensively used by commercial fishing operators, charter dive, fishing and whale watching operators and recreational boaters. In addition, the harbour provides important access to the Solitary Islands Marine Park.
What are we doing?
We are now seeking your feedback on the Review of Environmental Factors (PDF, 12 MB) and proposed dredging of the Coffs Harbour.
Our dredging proposal will:
- 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 funding
- 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 a depth of- 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.
After reviewing all feedback received we will publish a Submissions Report with responses to comments received.
Once completed we aim to start dredging in 2026.
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.
Environmental Approval
Contact us
For more information contact the project team:
Phone: 1800 271 100
