NORTH Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation has completed maintenance dredging at the Port of Weipa for another year.
NQBP CEO Nicolas Fertin said the dredge vessel TSHD Brisbane has left the Port of Weipa after completing the 22-day program.
“I would like to commend all our staff and contractors for their work in completing the dredging program in Weipa,” Mr Fertin said.
“About 320,000 cubic metres of natural sediment was removed from the Port of Weipa and placed at the approved dredge material placement area (DMPA) in Albatross Bay.”
Mr Fertin also thanked the Weipa community for their patience and understanding during the project.
“The TSHD Brisbane undertook over 170 trips to and from the DMPA without incident. This is a testament to all involved including the local Weipa fishing and boating community.”
Throughout the dredging, NQBP said it engaged with key stakeholders including the Weipa Technical Advisory and Consultative Committee (TACC).
Members of the TACC include conservation groups, Traditional Owners, scientists, community, port users, and Commonwealth and state governments.
This dredging program was the first instance of maintenance dredging occurring at the Port of Weipa under NQBP’s new 10-year Commonwealth permit.
Included in the permit are a range of conditions that help to protect the marine environment. Environmental monitoring and management measures were implemented throughout the campaign, with no reported incidents.
NQBP has managed the annual maintenance dredging program at the Port of Weipa for more than 30 years. Bed levelling was also completed at Amrun on behalf of Rio Tinto, with hydrographic surveys revealing that dredging was not required.
