Navigation warning and special measures as dredging starts for new breakwater

Skippers navigating Casuarina Boat Harbour will need to take extra care as dredging begins in preparation for the construction of a new 460 metre northern breakwater – the centrepiece of Transforming Bunbury’s Waterfront (TBW).

Department of Transport (DoT) Project Director Anthony Wilson said dredging would commence mid-August to remove the soft sediment from the construction footprint, leaving solid bedrock and a stable foundation for the rock breakwater.

Mr Wilson said the wide range of special arrangements in place for the dredging works also included measures to protect the local dolphin population and other marine fauna that had been approved by the Environmental Protection Authority and would see daily monitoring, special on-water exclusion zones, seasonal restrictions on some types of work and reduced vessel speed limits to limit any impact.

“During the next three months up to 177,000 cubic metres of silt will be dredged and relocated to an approved disposal site 10 kilometres offshore. The work will involve a barge-mounted excavator, suction dredge, tug, split hopper barge and survey vessel which may be operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week," Mr Wilson said. 

“Skippers transiting into or out of Casuarina Boat Harbour are advised to navigate with caution and maintain a safe distance from the dredging as the main suction dredge is 67 metres long and has restricted ability to manoeuvre.

“When navigating near the working vessels skippers should always make radio contact to ensure it is safe to pass. The radio frequencies are VHF Channel 16 and Channel 12.”

Further information is available to skippers on the Temporary Notice to Mariners - South West page.

People wanting more information about the TBW project can visit the South West Development Commission.  

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