Dredging starts at Mandurah Ocean Entrance to make navigation safer

The Department of Transport (DoT) has commenced dredging at the Mandurah Ocean Entrance to ensure safe navigation and a wider Town Beach for summer after completing a successful sand bypassing campaign at Dawesville.

DoT Manager Asset Management Sam Mettam said the $1.8 million project would see about 150,000 cubic metres of sand excavated from Halls Head Beach and pumped to Town Beach prior to completion in November.

“Funded by the State Government and the City of Mandurah, the work ensures safe access for vessels navigating the Mandurah Ocean Marina and Port of Mandurah canals, and also replenishes sand on Town Beach and ensures supply to other beaches located east of the channel,” Mr Mettam said.

“Beach users are asked to observe the warnings in place and keep well clear of the works which will occur during daylight hours from Monday to Friday.”

From February to June this year about 130,000 cubic metres of sand from Pyramids Beach was pumped north of the entrance to the Dawesville Cut to replenish sand levels on beaches to the north of the channel.

The $1.5 million project had required special monitoring for the possible return of a colony of protected Australian Fairy Terns to nest on Pyramids Beach. 

DoT again partnered with the City and Murdoch University to inspect the site for nesting birds prior to the commencement of work but unlike last year there were no nesting birds observed and no need to adapt the schedule for the works. 

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

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