In an initiative of the ‘Love our Lakes’ program, the Gippsland Lakes Environment Fund has provided funding for sand nourishment works at Crescent Island and Pelican Island to improve the habitat values for migratory birds such as the threatened Little Term and the Fairy Term.
The preliminary feasibility study included sediment sampling and modelling. The biodiversity requirements and environmental factors have been considered throughout this process and approvals were sought, and issued where required.
Gippsland Ports will use its cutter suction dredger Kalimna to undertake the sand shifting and biodiversity staff from the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) will be responsible for ensuring the ecological requirements are addressed.
Works are scheduled to start at Crescent Island this month and to last about three months. Works at Pelican Island are scheduled for November 2015.
The Kalimna will be operating in Grange and Steamer Channels at Crescent Island and Pelican Island.
Gippsland Ports also received funding through the State Government’s Boating Safety and Facilities Program to go towards dredging to realign a section of Steamer Channel and to upgrade related safety navigation markers.
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