NORTH Queensland Bulk Ports’ annual maintenance dredging program has concluded at the Port of Weipa.
This year’s dredging program ran for 45 days and involved the dredge vessel TSHD Brisbane.
Around 780,000 cubic metres of natural sediment was removed from the Port of Weipa and placed at the approved dredge material placement area in Albatross Bay.
North Queensland Bulk Ports said Brisbane and its supporting vessels have now left the port.
“The TSHD Brisbane undertook over 400 trips to and from the DMPA without incident,” NQBP said.
“This is a testament to all involved including the local Weipa fishing and boating community.”
NQBP said it engaged with stakeholders including the Weipa Technical Advisory and Consultative Committee (TACC) throughout the program.
Conservation groups, Traditional Owners, scientists, community, port users, and Commonwealth and state governments are members of the TACC.
“The maintenance dredging was conducted in line with all approvals and permits, including a range of strict environmental conditions,” NQBP said.
“Environmental monitoring and management measures were implemented throughout the campaign to minimise the risk of any potential impacts on the marine environment.”
NQBP has managed the annual maintenance dredging program at the Port of Weipa for more than 30 years.
Dredging was also completed at nearby Amrun on behalf of Rio Tinto.
