NORTH Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation (NQBP) will undertake maintenance dredging at the Port of Hay Point from this week, including the Half Tide Tug Harbour.
The work at Hay Point, one of the largest coal export ports in the world, is expected to run from late-August to mid-September, estimated to take up to 28 days to complete.
NQBP CEO Brendan Webb said maintenance dredging is undertaken by port authorities around the world, and is critical for maintaining port infrastructure.
“In the same way we maintain roads and rail lines for freight transport, we need to maintain our shipping channels and berth pockets to keep trade flowing” Mr Webb said.
“The Port of Hay Point is one of the largest steel-making coal export facilities in the world and its operations are of tremendous benefit to Queenslanders, supporting thousands of jobs and enabling tens of billions of dollars in export value.”
Mr Webb said that during the project an additional 20 jobs will be supported, from ship crew to surveyors.
Maintenance dredging involves relocating natural sediment which has travelled along the coast and accumulated in shipping navigational areas.
NQBP says the sediment will be relocated in the sea at the approved Dredge Material Placement Area, six kilometres away from shipping operations.
The dredging will also be undertaken in line with the Queensland Government Maintenance Dredging Strategy for Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area Ports, according to NQBP.
The port authority says environmental monitoring and management measures including real-time water quality data will be in place throughout the work.
While the dredging will reportedly have a low impact on port operations and community activities, Mr Webb urged everyone using the Half Tide Tug Harbour to take extra care when on the water during the dredging works.
“The dredge vessel TSHD Brisbane and its support vessels have restricted manoeuvring capability. We urge people on the water to pay close attention to displayed warning flags and lights.
“During the project we will also undertake maintenance work at the public boat ramp located at Half Tide Tug Harbour on behalf of the Department of Transport and Main Roads.
“At times access to the public boat ramp will need to be restricted to allow this work to be undertaken safely. We appreciate the community’s patience during this time.”
NQBP has managed the maintenance dredging program at the Port of Hay Point for more than 20 years.
“As well as having a critical global presence, the port is vital to the Queensland economy as an important part of the social and economic fabric of the Mackay Isaac Whitsunday region.”
