Dredging to start next month at Jurien Bay Boat Harbour

Dredging at Jurien Bay Boat Harbour will begin in early December to improve water quality and ensure continued safe navigation at the facility.

Department of Transport (DoT) Director of Coastal Facilities Donna West said the upcoming work would see dredged sand and seagrass returned offshore rather than to the dunes north of the facility as it was in previous campaigns.

“Offshore placement is a long-term sustainable solution, shared with the community during consultation last year and now approved by Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions and Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment,” Ms West said.

“It’s anticipated approximately 40,000 cubic metres of dredged material will be deposited offshore in a natural seabed depression during the four-month project, expected to cost $750,000.

“The dredging will improve water quality in summer and autumn by limiting the opportunity for very low oxygen levels in the harbour waters and prevent the possible temporary closure of the beaches at the facility.”

Ms West said there had been a high level of local support for a recently completed concept design showing a reconfigured harbour entrance to reduce the flow of sand and seagrass wrack into the harbour.

Initial feedback was sought from stakeholders as part of a study to determine the economic and social impacts of a reconfiguration of the entrance to the harbour.

Commercial operators and recreational skippers navigating in the area are asked to take extra care during the dredging campaign.

Flashing lights on the dredge and pipeline will make it visible to those operating in the area and skippers are asked to make radio contact when passing using VHF Channel 16 and Marine 27MHz Channel 88.

People wanting more information about the work at Jurien Bay Boat Harbour can visit  the DoT website  or contact the dredging team by emailing dredging@transport.wa.gov.au

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