The project follows the diversion of ferry services from the Ettalong Channel to Patonga on May 2, following navigational challenges experienced by ferry service provider MYNRMA.
The channel will now undergo maintenance dredging for a two-week period (weather permitting) to remove material that is impeding navigation after accumulating and creating shoaling in some areas of the channel sooner than anticipated.
The Ettalong Channel was last dredged in May 2025.
Gosford MP, Liesl Tesch says the dredging project will return the channel to an adequate depth allowing ferries to return to normal service.
“It’s expected around 30 thousand cubic metres of sand will be removed during this project to give ferry services navigational certainty when entering the channel,” said Ms Tesch.
“I know the diversion of ferry services is an inconvenience for the community but with sand shoaling obstructing navigation it was the right thing to do,” said Ms Tesch.
“I would like to thank Transport for NSW for acting so quickly, with the Port Frederick arriving only 10 days after a diversion timetable was put in place for our ferry service.”
NSW Maritime Executive Director, Mark Hutchings said: “Weather permitting this dredging project will be completed in two weeks and we’re asking boaties to be aware of the dredge in the channel and keep your distance while navigating on the waterway,” said Mr Hutchings.
To support passengers during this period the following alternative transport arrangements have been made:
Replacement shuttle buses are running on a loop service between Ettalong and Patonga, to meet the Palm Beach to Patonga ferries
The shuttle bus leaves approximately 30 minutes prior to the Palm Beach ferry departure from Patonga Wharf.
A ferry shuttle is servicing passengers between Wagstaffe and Ettalong wharves for peak travel periods such as weekends and weekdays am/pm commuter times.
Customers are advised to allow for extra travel time and use the Trip Planner or check travel alerts to see if your travel is affected.
