Dredging works to open up Cabbage Tree Creek

DREDGING works to open up Cabbage Tree Creek will take about six months and start at the end of this month, according to state member for Sandgate and Environment Minister Vicky Darling.

Several vessels had recently reported running aground while attempting to access the narrowing channel, including a rescue boat from Volunteer Marine Rescue Sandgate. Fortunately, those vessels were able to navigate their way off the rising shoal without assistance, but had stressed the need for dredging works to open the mouth.

Ms Darling said the $2.9 million contract would remove accumulated silt from the creek's passage way and ease concerns from the local boating community, as well as improving conditions for the Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race.

"Before Easter last year some urgent dredging works was done to clear shoaling that happened as a result of the January 20 II flood event," she said. "At that time we announced the major works planned for this year. I am pleased to announce that Lynn Civil Pty Ltd has been awarded the contract, which will support 12 jobs during the 26 week project."

Ms Darling said the works would include maintenance dredging of the harbour entrance and internal channels to the Cabbage Tree Creek marina and other key areas of the harbour.

The works are due to be completed by August this year -weather permitting. “Dredging will start in the entrance channel to clear the worst areas of shoaling before the Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race at Easter,' Ms Darling said.

"The material will be disposed of at the Mud Island disposal site in Moreton Bay. "I ask boa ties to please take care around the dredge site during the works," Ms Darling said.

Jonathon Howard – Bayside Star