The trailing suction hopper dredge (TSHD). Photo: NQBP.
Dredging to clear shipping channels has finished at the Port of Weipa and Amrun, with the annual work more extensive than usual due to heavy rain, flooding and bigger waves caused by Tropical Cyclone Narelle.
North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation (NQBP) announced on 1 September that trailing suction hopper dredge (TSHD) Brisbane and supporting vessels had left the Port of Weipa following a dredging program stretching 63 days.
The dredging removed about 1.16 million square metres of natural sediment from the Port of Weipa. The sediment was placed at an approved Dredge Material Placement Area (DMPA) in Albatross Bay.
“This was a larger than usual dredge campaign, due to the impacts of severe weather over the summer season. Tropical Cyclone Narelle crossed Cape York Peninsula in March, with heavy rainfall, flooding and increased wave heights moving more sediment into the port’s shipping channels,” NQBP said.
“NQBP thanks all staff and contractors involved for their work in delivering the program.
“NQBP also thanks the Weipa fishing and boating community for their cooperation and for adhering to operational and safety requirements throughout the dredging campaign.”
The Weipa Technical Advisory and Consultative Committee (TACC) was a key stakeholder. Members include conservation groups, traditional owners, scientists, community representatives, port users and government agencies.
Port of Weipa. Photo: Supplied.
“Environmental monitoring and management measures were in place throughout the campaign to minimise any potential impact on the marine environment,” NQBP said.
The port authority has been carrying out the dredging at Port of Weipa for more than three decades. This year’s work was originally scheduled to finish in early August.
NQBP dredged at Amrun on behalf of Rio Tinto.
