Dredging is Dredging

As we wait to find out exactly where the dredged spoil from Abbot Point will go. It appears it will definately go on land instead of being dumped back in the ocean.  Will the Whitsunday tourism operators who were so against the dumping offshore at first, now support the expansion with their full support?? ( especially the one that flew half way around the world to ask the Deutsche Bank not to fund the expansion.)

We wait in anticipation for their approval :-)

In the mean time, it is interesting to note that the Green groups are now putting their efforts into trying to stop the onland disposal site, even though , it has not been officially decided yet.  The Caley Valley wetlands is their target.  And, ofcourse, we also know that they are also attacking dredging itself, saying that even dredging (not just dumping of spoil) is dangerous for the reef and all the critters in the ocean.

Source: Dredging Today

If this is so, the tourism operators better watch out, cause we know that there is some dredging going on in their own backyard right now.  Why is it that nothing is being said about this?? Afterall, it is dredging and dredging is dredging no matter where it is done or for what type of industry.  And,  there are significant environmental areas of importance around the Airlie developments!!

The Port of Airlie is still dredging and also Abell Point Marina.  

Let's take a look at the Port of Airlie:

Dredging commenced on the 2nd July 2014, and was expected to take up to 3 months to complete.  The proponent determined that dredging could not be completed by the end of the approved  'dredging timeframe' on 31st August 2014.  Hence an extension of the dredging timeframe is required.

"Construction channel dredging should take place between March and August in any year to minimise impacts on seagrasses and corals and to avoid the cyclone season.  For the year 2014, maintenance dredging may be undertaken until 30 September."

Source: Co-ordinator Generals Report - Extension to Dredging Timeframe


So, there are seagrasses and corals which are of a concern.  And, they are allowed to extend the timeframe for dredging outside the original dates right up to the 30th September.

It is also interesting to note that prior to the Port of Airlie's construction, contaminated sediments were found in the form of TBT (Tributyl Tin).  Why was the dredging allowed.  The spoil had to go on land because of this.  But, as we know dredging stirs up sediment and creates a plume as shown in the photo below taken in 2008 during dredging.  How much of this contaminated sediment spread throughout the Whitsunday region.  Is this the cause of some of their water quality issues?? 

Just as a footnote:  The Abbot Point area to be dredged has been tested and has been deemed safe for dredging.

Source: http://eprints.qut.edu.au/40370/1/TBT.pdf



Abell Point Marina:

Abell Point Marina is currently dredging too.  The dredged spoil will be relocated to the land and will be used to make a parkland at the marina.  Still, once again, dredging is dredging. Why have we not heard much about this in the media??  There are significant areas also around this marina.  Seagrasses, corals, dugongs etc.

"There are plans for dredging inside the marina walls to depths never experienced in the history of the marina. With berthing for super yachts up to 60m, this will enhance berthing capabilities while providing real opportunity to strengthen Abell Point Marina’s position as a super yacht destination."

 Source: Dredging Today
             Abell Point Marina Dredging Project Commences

Abell Point Marina provides a modified soft bottom habitat within the marina basin and hard substrate habitat in the form of pontoons, plylons and rock walls.  Adjacent waters also feature soft bottomed habitats with rocky outcrops.  The nearest coral reef habitat is Rosearic Shoal, about 9klm offshore from the Marina.

Seagrass habitat occurs about 500-700 metres to the west of the Marina and surveys of this seagrass have identified dugong feeding trails and observed dugong feeding..  Some species of marine turtle would also be expected to feed on seagrass in the area.

Dolphins have also been observed in the Marina and may be attracted by activity, as well as fish that are present in the Marina.

Source: Department of the Environment

So, dredging is dredging. Seagrass and corals and dugongs and turtles are evident in the surroundings of the Marinas.  

How can this be any different to the Abbot Point Dredging? How come nothing has been said about this is in the media??  

As dredging is dredging and all ports , marinas etc need to dredge from time to time, we think that the Whitsunday Tourism Operators should show their support for the Abbot Point expansion. It is only a matter of time before the Green groups turn their attention to stopping all dredging.  That means all industries will be impacted along the east coast of Queensland.

Also of interest is the fact that there will be dredging for the Shute Harbour Marina Resort. No mention of that by any of the Green groups either!!

Source: Environmental Impact Statement - Shute Harbour Marina Resort
             Shute Harbour Marina Resort