The Provincial Growth Fund (PGF) will help fund a new dredge for the Port of Greymouth to ensure the regional fishing fleet have a reliable and productive harbor, Parliamentary Undersecretary for Regional Economic Development Fletcher Tabuteau announced today.
“ Last year the movements of vessels in the lagoon were restricted to high tide as water levels were reduced to less than a meter in places whereby fishing boats need a depth of 3-4 meters at low tide to move freely ,” Fletcher Tabuteau said.
“ The current state of the harbor threatens the viability of the high quantity of fishing fleet which can total up to 70 boats during peaking fishing seasons, and also the local processing plants that rely on a regular supply of fish, ” Tabuteau continued.
Without an affordable and permanent solution, the port will have to continue to rent an expensive dredge that still means some parts of the lagoon would remain undredged.
According to Tabuteau, the new dredge is expected to cost approximately $1 million, with $800,000 funding from the PGF, and the balance of the cost funded by the Greymouth District Council.
He also added that a new dredge will ensure that productivity in the region does not decline and will support further growth opportunities.