A picture paints a thousand words and in the case of the Myall River these images show the complex sand movements that make it one of the state's most challenging waterways to manage.
A series of images captured by Tea Gardens local Leon Katz on Australia Day illustrate how a nineteenth century ballast wall is impacting on the river's ability to flush effectively.
While the recently dredged ocean side of the 'short cut', the river's natural entrance, flows freely, there is a gradual build-up of sand on the Corrie Island side.
Locals fear the build up will see that side of the channel return to its previous state as a navigational hazard for large vessels, such as ferries crossing from Port Stephens to Tea Gardens.
The Myall River Action Group has proposed returning sand to between the wall and Corrie Island, thereby rebuilding the island to it's natural state.
"The sand islands in the middle of the entrance to the bay should be the target of the next dredging campaign. Their removal will extend the life of the opening," Myall River Action Group spokesman Gordon Grainger said.
"The sand spoil could be used to protect the Corrie shore as well as used on the (Jimmys Beach sand pumping station) stockpile."
Prior to that it was dredged in 2015 following an eight-year community campaign.
The $3.5 million project resulted in an immediate improvement in the river's water quality and the surrounding environment.
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