Equipment is expected to be moved into place at Toondah Harbour next week in preparation for the commencement of dredging work.
Mayor Karen Williams said the work, due for completion by 30 August (weather permitting), involved maintenance and capital dredging of a section of the Fison Channel and widening of the ‘swing basin’, allowing vessels to more easily manoeuvre and pass in the harbour and channel.
“The dredging will benefit public and commercial users of Toondah Harbour,” Williams said.
“Toondah Harbour is a vital access point for residents and visitors to North Stradbroke Island and an important part of our city’s economy.
“I am delighted that these long-awaited dredging projects are finally happening. In the past we have had times when ferries grounded and could not use Toondah at low tide and had to operate from Raby Bay. The dredge will remove this problem.
“Council has worked closely with the Queensland Transport and Main Roads, Brisbane Harbourmaster, commercial ferry operators, and the dredging contractor to ensure the work is managed to minimise disruption and achieves the best outcome for the community.”
The State Government provided $6 million in 2011 for three dredging projects across the city.
Funding included dredging at Coochiemudlo Island, completed in 2013, and at both Victoria Point and Toondah Harbour, scheduled for completion this year.
“ The State Government’s assistance has been invaluable to ensuring both the necessary funding and permits are available for this work to begin, ” Williams said.
“ Dredging equipment is in high demand up and down the east coast of Australia so we are very pleased that we are now able to make a start on this important work.
“Once the Toondah Harbour dredging is complete, the contractor will return to complete work already begun at Victoria Point in preparation for the planned improvements to the Victoria Point jetty and the construction of the new Coochiemudlo Island jetty.”
Redland City Council is managing the contract for both the Victoria Point and Toondah Harbour dredging work.
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Press Release, May 30, 2014