The NSW government has confirmed Swansea Channel is unlikely to be dredged before the October long weekend.
The channel's shallow depth is again causing headaches for boaties and sailors entering or exiting Lake Macquarie.
Large vessels are requiring assistance to be placed on an angle so they can pass through the shallowest parts of the waterway.
The NSW government awarded a $250,000 contract to Sandpiper Dredging last December for future work after more than 10,000 cubic metres of sand was removed from the waterway the month prior.
"The awarding of this further $250,000 contract means we have resources in place to remove up to 20,000 cubic metres of more sand at later dates when needed," Upper House MP Taylor Martin said at the time.
A round of dredging had been due to commence earlier this month, but acting executive director of NSW Maritime, David Hunter, saidit had "been delayed due to unforeseen and tragic circumstances involving the dredging contractor".
"Transport for NSW anticipates dredging of the channel will start at the end of this month, once appropriate equipment is in place," he said.
"Prior to the circumstances changing, the plan had been for dredging to be started this month and completed in time for the official start of the new boating season on the October long weekend.
"During dredging, 10,000 cubic metres of sand will be removed from the sand shoal, near the entrance to Swan Bay, for stockpiling and possible later replenishment of other areas."
Almost a year ago, the channel's shallow depth forced dozens of vessels entering or exiting the lake to call on either Marine Rescue or private marina vessels for assistance. Some could only leave on extreme high tides while others were forced to abandon trips.
The Lake Macquarie Marine Rescue unit attended about a dozen shoaling incidents across last year's October long weekend.
Swansea MP Yasmin Catley has called for an end to the government's "ad-hoc" approach to maintaining the channel.
"They need a permanent dredging solution so that the Swansea Channel is navigable at all times," she said.
In the lead up to last year's state election, Labor committed to funding a dredge that would be based at Swansea and used in other waterways, such as Port Stephens.
Lake Macquarie Yacht Club general manager Mark Norden said last October if a permanent dredge was to be sourced the club would be prepared to house it at Belmont.
