Dredging required at Exmouth as channel size nearly halves

The Department of Transport (DoT) will soon start maintenance dredging at the Exmouth Boat Harbour entrance after confirmation the channel is nearing the minimum safe width for some vessels.

DoT A/Manager Asset Management Sam Mettam said hydrographic surveying had shown the channel had narrowed from 60 metres to 40 metres late last year, very close to the 30 metres needed for large vessels using the facility.

“A three-month long, $1 million dredging campaign funded by the State Government, will see about 20,000 cubic metres of material removed to reinstate the original channel width and ensure safe navigation until the next campaign, due in 2029,” Mr Mettam said.

“At DoT we are constantly working to make waterways safer and this project will deliver a wider passage for both commercial and recreational skippers at Exmouth.  

“There is an additional benefit from this project as the dredged sand will be reused and placed on Town Beach to widen it. The work will assist the natural drift of sand and feeds eroding beaches to the north.”

Skippers operating in the area should be aware of the special safety arrangements implemented for the dredging works. A temporary notice with information for skippers is available for their review.

“Beachgoers are asked to observe the warnings in place and keep well clear of the works on Town Beach which will occur during daylight hours from Monday to Sunday. A safety spotter will be in place at Town Beach for the duration of the works,” Mr Mettam said.

For more information about DoT’s dredging and sand bypassing program visit our website. 

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