Dredging complete at Johns Creek Boat Harbour, Point Samson

The Department of Transport (DoT) has completed the first maintenance dredging at Johns Creek in 20 years - improving navigation for skippers by restoring the depths at the boat harbour.

DoT Coastal Infrastructure General Manager Steve Jenkins said the four-month project had been completed one month ahead of time, helping to minimise disruption for facility users and the boating community.

"Approximately 30,000 cubic metres of sand was removed from the boat harbour basin and entrance channel at a cost of $1.4 million making it one of the largest dredging projects undertaken by DoT in the past year," Mr Jenkins said.

"As part of the project a cutter suction dredge was used to hydraulically pump sediment to a disposal site area located south-west of the boat harbour and a customised amphibious excavator allowed the safe management and even distribution of sediment within the disposal area despite large tidal ranges.

"To successfully complete the work the project team managed a number of challenges including the tides, prevalence of rock material in the dredging areas and environmental monitoring and management in a dynamic marine environment.

"Overcoming these obstacles and working closely with users and the local community, the team has restored the original depths to the harbour ensuring safe navigation for recreational and commercial craft."

The project was also referred to the Environmental Protection Authority and required environmental monitoring and management.

DoT's maintenance dredging program along the WA coastline provides ongoing safe access to and from key boating facilities.

For more information about DoT's dredging program visit the Coastal erosion and stability page.

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