Coomera River Channel Dredging Project

BENEFITS

• Reinstate the approved channel depth.
• Improved access and safety through the removal of shoaling.
• Easier access to Gold Coast Marine Industry Precinct and residential developments.

Reused sand will aid sand nourishment at northern Gold Coast beaches.

IMPACTS

• A trailer hopper dredge and cutter suction dredge will operate in the channel which may restrict vessel access during the works period.
• The trailer hopper dredge will be regularly transporting dredge material from the downstream section of the Coomera River through the Seaway to the Narrowneck placement area.
• The dredge will display day shapes to indicate the passing side and will be contactable via VHF radio. Masters should reduce speeds and navigate with care.
• Water quality monitoring buoys will be installed adjacent to the navigation channel for the duration of the works.
• A cutter suction dredge will be transferring dredged material to the Coomera River Dredged Sediment Management Facility (CDSMF) from the midstream section of the Coomera River.

DREDGE AREA AND DEPOSITION SITE

MEDIA RELEASE

Work starts on dredging Coomera River channel

• Dredging gets underway in the Coomera River is underway
• The $2.5 million project is scheduled for completion by June

A two-month dredging project to improve navigation in one of the Gold Coast’s most popular waterways is underway.

The $2.5 million project to deepen the Coomera River commenced on Wednesday 26 April.

The Coomera River is an important access way for commercial, industrial, residential, and recreational activity.

Approximately 35,000 cubic metres of sand removed from downstream of Sanctuary Cove will be used to replenish northern Gold Coast beaches.

An estimated 35,000 cubic metres of sediment unsuitable for the beaches will be piped to the Coomera dredged sediment management facility for processing.

Quote attributed to Gold Coast Waterways Authority Chief Executive Officer, Chris Derksema:

“Due to new ongoing funding for the Gold Coast Waterways Management Program, this will be first instance of dredging of the Coomera River channel as part of an ongoing regular maintenance regime,” Mr Derksema said.

“Work will focus on removing sand and sediment that has naturally built up over time in the navigation channel from Sovereign Islands to the Hope Harbour entrance.”

$50.4 million will be invested in construction and upgrade projects that will improve access to the Gold Coast waterways over the next four years.