Restoration works at the Boyne River have been completed, clearing the way for vessels to have safe passage through the mouth of the river at all times, Gladstone Ports Corporation (GPC) said in its latest release.
The project was initiated following flood events in 2011 and 2013, which caused significant shoaling at the channel entrance.
GPC CEO, Peter O’Sullivan, said that more than 30,000m³ of material has been removed over the past eight months.
“ The original plan was to restore the river entrance depths to 0.5 meters below low water datum ,” Mr O’Sullivan said.
“This was reviewed and the decision was made to fully restore the depth to 1 meter resulting in an increase of sediment being removed from the mouth.”
The Boyne River dredging project was an election commitment delivered by Member for Gladstone, Glenn Butcher, and funded by the Queensland Government through the Department of Transport and Main Roads.
Mr Butcher said that the project was successfully completed without any impact on the surrounding marine environs.
“The project was undertaken in a way that diligently considered and minimized impacts on both the community and the environment, ” Mr Butcher said.
“ Boat users in the area now have unrestricted access to the Boyne River, improving safety and navigation.”
The barge or sweep may return to the area in the coming weeks to undertake tidy up works, as surveys are finalized.