The work was expected to start mid-October but was delayed until last week.

“We have worked closely with the local community on this project and I’m pleased we are now getting on with the job of delivering for the people of Lake Macquarie,” Minister for Roads and Freight Duncan Gay said.

The project, due for completion early next year, will see the channel expanded to 60 metres wide and 3.5 metres deep.

About 100,000 cubic metres of sand will be removed from the waterway between the southern entrance to Swan Bay and the dropover and dumped at Blacksmiths Beach to rebuild dunes.