Dredging to start at Kalbarri

Maintenance dredging is about to commence to widen the entrance channel and make navigation safer at the mouth of the Murchison River at Kalbarri.

Department of Transport (DoT) Coastal Infrastructure General Manager Steve Jenkins said dredging was vital for continued safe access for recreational and commercial craft through the waterway.

"The $600,000 project will take four months to complete and see approximately 60,000 cubic metres of sand taken from the entrance channel," Mr Jenkins said.

Approximately 10,000 cubic metres of the dredged material will be added to Chinamans Beach and a further 5,000 cubic metres will be deposited on the foreshore area extending northeast of the marine rescue boat ramp. The remaining 45,000 cubic metres will be pumped approximately one kilometre north of the river mouth.

Skippers operating in the area and people accessing the beach should be aware of the special safety arrangements implemented for the dredging and sand replenishment works. A temporary notice with information for skippers is available at www.transport.wa.gov.au/imarine/mid-west-tntm.asp

Mr Jenkins said testing had confirmed the dredged material could be deposited on the beach.

"When initially placed on Town Beach it will be naturally discoloured. However, it will bleach in the sun and not be noticeable after a few weeks, as in previous campaigns," Mr Jenkins said.

Media contact: media@transport.wa.gov.au