Urgent dredging underway at Kalbarri

The Department of Transport (DoT) has expedited maintenance dredging at Kalbarri following concerns about the depth of the entrance channel at the mouth of the Murchison River.

DoT Maritime Executive Director Steve Jenkins said the local fishing and charter industry operators had expressed concern after observing the impact of Cyclone Seroja and several severe winter storms.

“Dredging is vital for continued safe access for recreational and commercial craft through the waterway and DoT has prioritised the dredging campaign at Kalbarri,” Mr Jenkins said.

“The rescheduled $700,000 campaign, originally planned for later next year, has been possible thanks to the flexibility of the contractor, CGC Dredging and the understanding of the City of Rockingham which agreed to postpone planned works, making the required machinery available to travel to the Mid-West.”

Approximately 60,000 cubic metres of sand will be extracted from the northern bank of the entrance channel and the sand spit from the southern shore during the three-month project.

Some of the dredged material will be added to Chinaman’s Beach and on the foreshore area extending northeast of the marine rescue boat ramp. The remaining material will be pumped approximately one kilometre north of the river mouth.

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

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 on our website. 

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