Dangerous bar needs dredging

APRIL 8: Kyle “Cushy” Cush says the dredge should return to the Tweed River entrance. Three boats have capsized on the Tweed River bar in the past fortnight, and experienced mariners fear it could soon claim a life.

Crystal Spencer

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Poll

Do you think the Tweed River bar should be dredged?

This poll ended on 07 May 2010.

Yes

80%

No

19%

This is not a scientific poll. The results reflect only the opinions of those who chose to participate.

THREE boats have capsized on the Tweed River bar in the past fortnight, and experienced mariners fear it could soon claim a life.

The sand has built up since the bar was last dredged in September 2008, and skippers are now faced with huge

close-outs in an easterly swell.

Kyle Cush, who runs Cushy’s Fishing Charters, said when the bar “breaks all the way across”, it was a scary experience for anyone in control of a small boat.

“If you time it wrong, you have got nowhere to go,” he said.

“We’re lucky in a big boat; in a smaller boat it will just fill up with water and capsize.”

According to Mr Cush there are 180 navigable days on the Tweed bar each year, compared with 250 on the Southport Seaway.

He told the Tweed Daily News that mariners on an advisory committee for the Tweed River Entrance Sand Bypassing Project (TRESBP), were pushing for the dredge to return.

“They usually come back early in the year and dredge it. But they haven’t been back for a while and it needs to be done,” he said.

Joe Goddard, owner of GoMarine, Tweed Heads, said the bar could easily claim a life.

“Definitely, the worst thing would be if it is a family; if a first-time boat owner who takes family out, gets into trouble, that would be the ultimate tragedy,” Mr Goddard said.

“In my opinion, it doesn’t pose much of a problem for the typical astute Tweed mariner. However for someone who is not as experienced, possibly a first-time boatie, I think the bar is treacherous.

“There is a lot of sand built up, the wave is steep and you can take one over bow. I actually find it quite dangerous ... particularly if I have family with me I am really careful about choosing times to go through.

“In the end, it is up to the mariner to make their own decision, and if a little bit foolhardy they can get themselves into trouble.”

TRESBP project manager Ian Taylor said channel conditions on the Tweed River were monitored on a regular basis.

“The entrance will be surveyed this month to determine if dredging is necessary. If this is the case, dredging will be done,” Mr Taylor said.

“Any proposed dredging operation will be discussed with community representatives and information will be placed on the project website.”

Mr Goddard rated the Tweed River crossing as one of the most dangerous on the east coast.

“I was actually involved in an accident on the Tweed bar about 20 years ago; I know how dangerous it is. It has been a problem for a long, long time.”

Point Danger Volunteer Marine Rescue could not be contacted for comment over the past two days.

The three capsize incidents are being investigated by NSW Maritime.