Dredging proposed for Correa Bay

The draft Brisbane Water Estuary Management Plan has recommended that Correa Bay be dredged from the boat ramp 300m up the Woy Woy Creek channel.

The plan stated that sedimentation in Correa Bay had restricted boating access in the bay.

"It is thought that this issue is caused by high sediment loads being delivered to the estuary from Woy Woy Bay," the plan stated.

The dredging would "improve drainage in the creek and improve access" and would be augmented with stormwater management to address the cause of the sedimentation.

The plan stated that a means of disposing or re-using the dredge spoils would need to be considered.

The options would need to be modelled to assess their sustainability.

The plan also suggests considering the removal of a dam in the former abattoir site.

"The community has raised concerns over the effects of the dam located at the site of the former abattoir on flows in Woy Woy Creek.

"It is considered that the dam may have reduced flows in the creek, with the effect of contributing to sedimentation in the creek channel."

The plan recommended a feasibility study be undertaken before proceeding with the work.

The study should consider "the potential hydraulic and geomorphic impacts" and "other impacts associated with decommissioning the dam".

The plan also recommended maintenance of existing sediment traps in adjacent Horsfield Bay "to reduce sedimentation ... thought to be impacting on navigation".

The frequency and methods of maintaining the traps should be considered and more rigorous visual inspections undertaken.

Website, 13 Jun 2011 Items on Exhibition, Gosford Council