Works to complete a $2.3 million upgrade to the breakwater and dredging of the boat harbour at Iluka have commenced. Clarence MP Chris Gulaptis said in a press release that the NSW Government’s coastal infrastructure program supports both commercial fishing fleets and leisure boating along the coastline. “The breakwater at Iluka helps train the river entrance and is popular with locals and tourists, so the upgrade will be a boost to the local tourism industry and the broader regional economy,” he said. The work will take around five months and includes the placement of up to 20,000 tonnes of rock, between five and 10 tonnes in size, on the end 300 metres of the breakwater. A 2.4 metre-wide path will be constructed along the first 500 metres of the crest of the breakwater, to improve pedestrian access for walking and fishing. According to the press release, “in preparation for the project, a comprehensive environmental assessment was completed and approved”. The $2 million breakwater repair contract was awarded to The JDS Group, with the construction phase of the project managed by NSW Public Works. Dredging the boat harbour will also commence this month, to improve navigable safety from the Clarence River. Approximately 27,000 cubic metres of sand will be pumped from the Iluka Harbour approach channel to Iluka Main Beach where the sand will be used to renourish the southern end of the beach. The $313,000 dredging contract was awarded to Neumann Contractors.