Contract awarded for Coomera dredge facility

The contract for the construction of a $3 million Coomera dredge facility to boost the Gold Coast’s multi-million dollar marine industry has been awarded to a Gold Coast based company.

Acting Ports Minister Steven Miles said the contract to construct the Coomera Regional Dredged Sediment Management Facility (CRDSMF) had been awarded to Synergy Resource Management PTY LTD.

“This $3 million facility will be the first of its kind on the Gold Coast and is a significant project for the city’s multi-million dollar marine industry which will mean certainty of access and safe navigation in the Coomera river,” Mr Miles said. 

“The Gold Coast Marine Precinct at Coomera is home to more than 100 businesses employing 2,500 people. As well as being an important ongoing provider of jobs for Queenslanders, this project will help minimise potential environmental impacts by managing the fine, silty mud sediment found in the upper sections of the Coomera River that is not suitable for riverbank or beach replenishment.

“For many years the Coomera River could not be dredged in certain parts because of a lack of a cost effective and environmentally sound solution for disposal of the sediment. 

“This is a long-term, cost effective solution that will be available for use by organisations that undertake dredging in the area including GCWA, City of Gold Coast, local industry and private residential estates.”

Gold Coast Waterways Authority Chair, Mara Bún,said that GCWA has engaged with key stakeholders throughout the project to ensure the best possible outcomes for the local community and environment and will continue to consult during the construction phase due to begin in the coming weeks. 

“We are expecting the facility to be completed and ready for use by the end of the year.  Then we can get on with the next important step of improving navigational access through our targeted dredging program,” said Ms Bún.

“All stakeholders share a common interest in ensuring safe navigational access and flood management to ensure public safety and amenity on the Gold Coast and its many waterways.”

For more information about the project and other initiatives for Gold Coast waterways, visit www.gcwa.qld.gov.au