Royal Motor Yacht Club Toronto have witnessed a reluctance from boaties to register for their annual Heaven Can Wait Regatta because Swansea Channel is yet to be dredged.

The Regatta will be held Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 February to primarily raise funds for the Hunter Branch of Cancer Council NSW.

While the Club anticipates to raise over half a million in funds for the charity, hesitation from boaties to participate in the Regatta because they are worried that they will be unable to safely navigate the course, has limited its potential to assist this great cause.

In addition to hindering the Club’s fundraising efforts, the lack of a permanent dredging solution is also limiting the number of visitors to the region as many out of area clubs have previously participated in the event when dredge works had been completed.

The Regatta and other boating events have the ability to play a key role in stimulating the region’s economy as they bring visitors to the area. The absence of a permanent dredging solution for the Channel prevents this and denies local businesses the opportunity to benefit from increased economic activity.

Member for Swansea – Ms Yasmin Catley MP said “The NSW Government’s failure to establish a permanent dredging solution for Swansea Channel has not only had a significant impact on the annual Heaven Can Wait Regatta but also many other boating events over the summer period”.

“The Regatta and other boating events have the ability to raise funds for community organisations, increase visitors to the area and drive economic activity. However, they are prevented from doing this due to the dire state of Swansea Channel”.

“It is time that the NSW Government acted on this issue and established a permanent dredging solution”.