Dredging work to start
Preliminary work for dredging the Ettalong channel will start this week, according to Gosford Council's director of city services Mr Stephen Glen.
Council resolved to accept the tender of Dora Creek company Johnson W Marine Salvage Pty Ltd at a meeting on November 10.
A council report stated that the company was experienced in the type of work expected to be undertaken at the channel and was currently undertaking maintenance dredge sweeping within shipping channels Newcastle.
"NSW Maritime have been involved in the tender interviews and agree that the contractor is competent to undertake the works and their proposed methodology is appropriate," the report stated.
"Cardno Lawson Treloar Pty Ltd have prepared a Review of Environmental Factors report and assessed the methodology of utilising a sweeping dredge and concluded that it is a suitable method to undertake maintenance dredging works at this site.
"The main considerations of the report were the requirement to retain dredged sand within the shoal system and to minimise impact on the adjacent sea grasses and maritime traffic.
"Due to the course nature of the sand within the shoal, the sweeping boom method is also unlikely to mobilise sand in the tidal current and create sand plumes.
"The sea grass area will be identified by marker buoys prior to the commencement of work and sand movements monitored with dredging to stop if sand plumes are created and there is a potential to impact on the sea grass area."
Mr Glen said the work was expected to be completed before Christmas to minimise the impact on holiday boating traffic on Brisbane Water.
The total project cost is expected to be $360,000 including preparation of review of environmental factors, tender documents and project management fees, as well as the dredging works.
On this basis, council is expected to fund, on a 50/50 basis with the State Government, $180,000 for the work.
Council agenda COR.129 , 10 Nov 2009
Clare Graham, 12 Nov 2009
Interviewee: Stephen Glen, Gosford Council