Emergency Dredging Works Announced for Port Hinchinbrook’s One Mile Creek

Cassowary Coast Regional Council is set to commence emergency dredging works at Port Hinchinbrook’s One Mile Creek. Following the receipt of a Deed of Variation from the Department of Infrastructure in October 2024, we are moving forward with this crucial project to enhance our local waterway.

The dredging program has been awarded to Australasian Marine Associates, with preparation works beginning from November 2024. Initial activities will include management plans, surveys, sediment sampling, and site fencing at the Port Hinchinbrook boat ramp.

Physical dredging operations are scheduled to commence Monday 6 January 2025, pending weather, for a four-week period with approximately 990 tonnes of material to be removed. Dredging works times will depend on tidal variations and carried out when appropriate.

During the dredging period a 100m exclusion zone around the dredging area is necessary for the safety of all water users and the stabilisation of the batter slopes and the seabed. The Port Hinchinbrook Boat Ramp will be closed during the physical dredging period. We encourage residents to utilise alternative boat ramp locations at Marine Parade, Meunga Creek, or Fishers Creek.

To manage the dredged material, dewatering bags will be placed in a fenced-off area in the Port Hinchinbrook Boat Ramp car park for approximately two months, where the material will be monitored and tested. We want to reassure the community, that environmental considerations are a priority, and we will be managing our obligations under the Environmental Protection Act 1994 to monitor and mitigate any potential impacts.

The current emergency dredging program is only a short-term solution for the community to improve recreational and emergency access. The issues of ongoing dredging of One Mile Creek, Port Hinchinbrook marina and on-shore facilities remain critical issues to be addressed for Cardwell and the Cassowary Coast region. Council, alongside the community, look forward to collaborating with Member for Hinchinbrook Nick Dametto, Premier David Crisafulli, and his new team to continue pursuing sustainable, long-term outcomes for Port Hinchinbrook.

We encourage all residents to follow the Port Hinchinbrook Dredging YourSay page for updates regarding the project. Any changes to the work schedule will be communicated in advance, and you can subscribe for email notifications to stay informed.

The Port Hinchinbrook (One Mile Creek) dredging project is funded with $1.5 million from the Australian Government.

Negotiations with a preferred tenderer for the dredging of Port Hinchinbrook’s One Mile Creek will proceed with the hope that a federal government funding variation will be approved by the end of October 2024.

Subject to approval of the funding, Australasian Marine Associates Pty Ltd has been endorsed by Council as the preferred tenderer for dredging less than 1,000t to accommodate all tide access to the Port Hinchinbrook boat ramp.

In early February 2024 Council submitted a variation request to the federal government’s Community Development Grants Program to enable a limited dredging program to be completed within the original $1.5 million grant agreement.

On 9 August 2024 Council was advised that this application would be subject to federal government budget allocations – unlikely to be finalised until October 2024.

Council remains committed to delivering this project on behalf of the Cardwell and Port Hinchinbrook community, and will alert community members as soon as it receives confirmation of the funding.

Council is pleased to offer the community the following update on plans for dredging of One Mile Creek:

• A consultant team (Watertech) has been appointed to re-establish a channel to 0.6m above datum (0.0m tide on the tide charts).
• A pre-application meeting with the State Assessment and Referral Agency (SARA) regarding tidal works and associated permits has confirmed the current DA Approval for One Mile Creek is valid and a TIDAL Works Permit is not required. Other approvals may still be required for the dredging and acid sulphate management plans, and disposal of sediments including dewatering on land.
• The dredging methodology ‘dewatering and disposal’ has been discussed with SARA (and will be subject to formal SARA approval). The proposed methodology includes:
  • Suction cutter dredging which cuts the material and sucks it up in one go.
  • The dredged material is pumped directly into geotextiles bags located on the northern portion of the carpark. Lime treatment of the acid sulphate soil is injected into the mix, neutralising the soil as it is pumped into the geotextile bags.
  • The dewatering and drying out of the sediments in the geotextile bags will take approximately two months and will require closure of a portion of the boat ramp. Once complete the bags will be opened, the material tested (certified as neutral material) and transported to a nominated disposal site.
  • A formal application for the dredging permit will be lodged with SARA mid-May.
• A request for tender for the dredging works will be released Monday 13 May and will remain open until mid-June.
• The estimated project timing from start to finish (pending approvals and funding variation) is currently July to October 2024.
• A funding variation request to the Australian Government funding agency to enable the project to proceed under the original $1.5 million grant agreement has been submitted. Council has not yet received a response to this request.
• Council has joined with the Cardwell Chamber and Member for Hinchinbrook Mr Nick Dametto in advocacy for the QLD Government to support a permanent solution for all-tide and all-weather access in One Mile Creek. The joint submission to government has been published to Council’s website.

All community members are encouraged to receive updates directly to their inbox by registering for Council’s e-newsletter by visiting https://yoursay.cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au/register.

The Port Hinchinbrook (One Mile Creek) dredging project is funded with $1.5 million from the Australian Government.

We are pleased to share with you the latest progress on the One Mile Creek Dredging project in Cardwell.

Council is moving forward with a focus on the short-term option of dredging less than 1,000 tonnes as this will provide improved access whilst we work with the Cardwell stakeholders to advocate to State and Federal governments on long-term solutions for all-tide access in One Mile Creek.

Here are the key updates on the project:

• Consultant team appointment: We are pleased to announce that a consultant team has been appointed to advance the project through the crucial environmental approvals and permits process required for dredging less than 1,000 tonnes from One Mile Creek.
• Hydrographic survey completion: A comprehensive hydrographic survey has been successfully completed, providing essential data for the project's planning and execution.
• Pre-Application meeting with SARA: We have lodged a pre-application meeting with the relevant authorities, specifically regarding tidal works and associated permits with the State Assessment and Referral Agency (SARA).
• Dredging Management Plan development: Work is underway on the development of the Dredging Management Plan, a vital component to ensure the efficient and responsible execution of the dredging activities.
• Request for Tender: The process for requesting tenders for the dredging works is ongoing. Finalisation of this aspect is pending Council's understanding of the requirements set forth by SARA and the subsequent impact on our works program.
• Projected completion date: As it stands, our current schedule aims to complete the dredging by late July 2024. However, please note that this timeline is subject to potential delays that may arise during the course of the project.
• Funding update: Council has taken the necessary steps to submit a variation request to the Australian Government funding agency. This request is intended to enable the project to proceed under the original $1.5 million grant agreement. We are currently awaiting a formal response and will keep you informed of any developments in this regard.

Your continued patience and support as we navigate through these stages of the project are greatly appreciated. We remain committed to ensuring transparency and open communication throughout the entire process. Should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.

Thank you for your attention, and we look forward to updating you further as the One Mile Creek Dredging project progresses.

The Port Hinchinbrook (One Mile Creek) dredging project is funded with $1.5 million from the Australian Government.

A Hydrographic Survey report to inform a future dredge management plan for Port Hinchinbrook (One Mile Creek) has been published.

The investigation examined the option of sediment removal below 1,000 tonnes annually to inform future dredge management plans.

Findings of the report are being considered with a recommendation to be delivered for Council endorsement following the Local Government Election.

Please be advised that a hydrographic survey of One Mile Creek is scheduled on Friday 12 and Saturday 13 January. In line with our investigations of alternative dredging options, we're specifically examining the option of sediment removal below 1,000 tonnes annually.The survey will inform future dredge management plans.

We expect the report by late January to February, with a community update to follow.

At the October 2023 Local Government Meeting, Cassowary Coast Regional Council received the Port Hinchinbrook (One Mile Creek) Dredge Sediment Disposal Site Analysis Report (Report).

Council resolved to:

1. Receive the Dredge Sediment Disposal Site Analysis Report;

2. Commence scope development for design for the Dredge Sediment Management Facility and associated Acid Sulphate Management Plan on Lot 170 SP177389; and

3. Request the Chief Executive Officer commence discussion with the Federal Government in relation to the activities in the current funding agreement;

4. Request the Chief Executive Officer commence discussion with the Department of Environment and Science in relation to confirming process and timeframes for a new dredging approval;

5. Request the Chief Executive Officer commence discussion with the liquidators in relation to the outcomes of the report particularly as they relate to Lot 170 SP177389; and

6. Request the Chief Executive Officer provide a report detailing options to progress the project or otherwise to Council following these discussions and consideration of the Dredge Sediment Analysis Report.

The Report, compiled by Water Technology Pty Ltd, was delivered to Council on 19 October 2023, and was given high priority as an addition to the October Local Government Meeting Agenda. This Report will play a pivotal role in decision making for this project. By publishing the Report, Council aims to enhance understanding around the complexities of this project and the rationale behind future decision-making, and to demonstrate Council’s commitment to being open and transparent.

As outlined in the Report, the sediment sampling has identified Acid Sulphate Soils (ASS), necessitating a change in disposal methodology. This mandates the scoping of an ASS management plan, which will influence the design of Lot 170 (the existing disposal location) being the preferred site for dredge sediment disposal as articulated in the Report. The insights from the Report will be incorporated into ongoing discussions with the Port Hinchinbrook Estate Liquidator and Queensland and Australian Government partners. This involves further priority discussions with the Department of Environment and Science regarding the Environmental Approval process.

To date, Council has not lodged a milestone claim under the $1.5 million funding agreement with the Australian Government.

Council would like to advise the community that sediment testing was undertaken in late August 2023 as part of the Port Hinchinbrook (One Mile Creek) dredging project.

This activity will focus on analysing the sediment composition, pollutant levels, and potential ecological impacts; and was undertaken in accordance with a permit specific to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. The results obtained from the sediment testing will inform a dredging options report due to be finalised at the end of October.

The report will inform the dredging process going forward.

These reports are crucial in the planning and decision-making process for dredging projects. Ultimately the brief will assist in making informed decisions about how to proceed with dredging activities while considering environmental, effectiveness, economic, and social factors.

Council, like any entity, cannot engage in dredging activities without an Environmental Authority for a number of important reasons. One of these reasons being that our region is home to both the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics, which are designated as World Heritage Sites. They are home to endangered and important species that are not found anywhere else in the world. The ecological biodiversity and significance of these areas require extra approvals and protections to preserve these areas for future generations.