Dredging required at Exmouth Boat Harbour, WA
Dredging is required at the famous Exmouth Boat Harbour in WA as the channel is almost too narrow for some vessels to come in safely.
The Department of Transport (DoT) in Western Australia will soon start maintenance dredging at the famous Exmouth Boat Harbour entrance after confirmation the channel is nearing the minimum safe width for some vessels.
The Department’s manager of asset management, Sam Mettam, said hydrographic surveying has shown the channel had narrowed from 60 to 40 metres in width late last year (2023), very close to the 30 metres needed for large vessels using the facility.
Mettam commented, “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.”
“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.”
Mettam also stated the dredging project has multiple benefits, 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,” added Mettam.
Skippers operating in the area should be aware of the special safety arrangements implemented for dredging works. A temporary notice with information for skippers is available here.
Mettam gave a warning for those in the area: “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.”
If you require more information about the dredging and sand bypassing program just hit this link.
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