GLADSTONE Ports Corporation’s Clinton Vessel Interaction Project has entered the next phase of work, with Hall Contracting’s backhoe dredge, Woomera, arriving in Gladstone.
The arrival of the Woomera signals the creation of 37 jobs for Gladstone locals, together with job opportunities for the region as the project continues. Hall Contracting is the principle contractor for this project.
GPC acting CEO Craig Walker welcomed the Woomera and what its arrival means for locals and the region.
“In addition to creating at least 37 local jobs, the arrival of the Woomera signals the start of a project that will ensure the safety of shipping transiting the Clinton Channel,” Mr Walker said.
“Spanning a massive 65 metres in length, the Woomera is a Backacter 900 model that was designed in the Netherlands and recently completed similar work in Cairns for Ports North.
“The major marine equipment to support the project has been mobilised and will be ready to get to work in the coming weeks.
“CVIP is a critical marine safety project that is the result of detailed planning and significant studies,” Mr Walker said.
The project has strict controls and will be closely monitored so as not to cause any disruption to commercial or recreational marine traffic.
“The project will be delivered under stringent environmental guidelines and, in a first for GPC, environmental monitoring data will be available on our website.
“We will be monitoring water turbidity (water clarity) and light at a range of sites across Port Curtis. We will closely monitor sensitive receptors like seagrass, and take action as required to ensure the integrity of our marine ecosystem,” Mr Walker said.
Environmental data from a range of parameters including water quality, light-reaching sensitive receptors and fine sediments will be available for the duration of the project.
Work is expected to commence at the start of March 2020 and will finish in the second half of 2020.
