Port MacDonnell dredging update

Thursday, 14 July 2022

Dredging works are progressing at Port MacDonnell to improve safety and access to the harbor, boat ramp and mooring ground.

The project, which commenced in late March, is removing a significant accumulation of sandy materials at the harbour entrance and mooring grounds as well as a build-up of seaweed inside the harbor channel.

This will help improve productivity for local businesses and the fishing industry as well as ensuring the ongoing safe use of the harbor.

Sand dredging has been completed with more than 68,000 cubic metres of sand removed from the harbor. About 2000 cubic metres of unconsolidated seaweed has also been removed.

Seagrass wrack removal has commenced, and organic materials dredged from the channel are being screened, drained and transferred to an area of grass directly east of the boat ramp.

The area will be landscaped, with grass re-established upon completion of the project.

It is expected full access to the harbor will be available by early August and the Port MacDonnell community will see the completion of remediation works by late September (weather permitting).

The dredging works may create a sediment plume in the water in the immediate vicinity of the dredge. Any sediment plumes will be closely monitored to ensure they do not impact nearby ecosystems or affect the safety of swimming areas.

The removal of seagrass wrack may result in a short-term odour, however sediments dredged near the breakwater are not likely to generate any persistent odour.

The Department for Infrastructure and Transport is continuing to work closely with the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) as the project continues.

For more information about the project visit www.dit.sa.gov.au/portmacdredging.

Thank you for your patience while these important works are undertaken.