Dredging to deepen the seaway channel for a cruise ship terminal could provide even bigger waves at South Stradbroke, according to new research.

Marine Scientist Professor Andrew Short has told surfing industry leaders, dredging at the seaway was likely to slightly increase wave height at TOS (The Other Side).

“If the dredging goes ahead, the waves will be essentially identical, even slightly higher,” Prof Short said.

“The dredging would cut a deeper channel across the ebb tide delta that sits off the seaway. The deeper channel would mean slightly less wave shoaling, which means higher waves at the shore,” he explained.

Mayor Tom Tate said misinformation had been circulating the internet, claiming the break would be affected by dredging.

“This clears the myth that surfing at South Straddie would be destroyed by dredging. It’ll actually make it better,” Cr Tate said.

Meanwhile, swimmers who regularly use the Evandale Lake at the back of the Council Administration Centre in Bundall, will need to find a change of venue today.

The lake will be closed from 9am for pre-Christmas maintenance, which will include putting more sand on the beach.