Latest News

October 2022 - as promised Federal MP Pat Conroy secures a $10 million grant for a permanent dredge and associated infrastructure in Lake Macquarie.

The Bring Blacksmiths Back (BBB) group campaigns to include a sand transfer pipeline to the Blacksmiths breakwall, arguing that the sand will move north naturally via the east coast longshore drift. This approach could help resolve some of the erosion issues on the beach.

August 2024 - LMCC Councillors acknowledge the $10 million grant and accept that the tender process should proceed. The $10 million tender now includes a dredge, a sand transfer system and $1 million toward an upgrade of the Blacksmiths boat ramp. View LMCC project report here.

April 2025 - Birdon Pty Ltd are awarded the $7.4 million tender to provide a dredge and sand transfer system.  See LMCC article here.  It is our understanding that the sand transfer pipeline will run from Naru (Pelican) to the southern side of the Belmont golf course. This project is expected to be completed by mid 2026. After completion a department within the NSW Government called the Maritime Infrastructure Delivery Office (MIDO) will take ownership and control the operational aspects of the dredge and pipeline. 

June 2025 - LMCC release their Blacksmiths Beach Dune Management Plan (final). View document here.  It is our understanding that 60% of the bitou bush between the surf club and the breakwall will be removed in the 2026-2027 financial year pending state government funding.

We have been informed that the Blacksmiths beach amenities building will be upgraded or reconstructed in the 2025-2026 financial year.

July 2025 - LMCC remove the $350,000 viewing platform at Maneela street for safety reasons. The Maneela street path to the beach has also been closed due to excessive erosion and scarping.

August 2025 - LMCC close the Carawa street path to the beach and the path immediately south of Carawa street, known locally as Len's Lane. Three paths are now closed due to excessive erosion and scarping. See LMCC announcement here.

December 2025 - Transport for NSW release information relating to the Swansea Channel Dredging project. Information sessions will be held at the Swansea Library and feedback can be provided using various methods. Please see the Latest News - December 2025 section located on the website Swansea Channel dredging | Transport for NSW for details. See also LMCC Dredging Project timeline here.

December 2025 - LMCC reopen the Maneela street, Carawa street and Len's Lane paths to the beach. All paths are now open.

December 2025 - The BBB group make multiple submissions to Transport for NSW regarding the Swansea Channel Dredge and Pipeline project. All of our submissions suggest that the pipeline should be extended south to the Blacksmiths breakwall which will benefit the wider beach going community. We are currently waiting on a submissions report (response) from Transport for NSW.

May 2026 - Maneela street beach access closed once again due to erosion.