Deeper Weipa after annual dredging

THE ANNUAL maintenance dredging campaign at Weipa and Amrun has been completed by North Queensland Bulk Ports using the Port of Brisbane’s trailing suction hopper dredge Brisbane.

The essential work removed around 1.16 million m3 of natural sediment from the Port of Weipa, which was placed at the approved dredge material placement Area (DMPA) in Albatross Bay. TSHD Brisbane and supporting vessels have now departed, having completed an extended 63-day program.

The Amrun work was completed on behalf of Rio Tinto.

This was a larger than usual Weipa dredge campaign, due to the impacts of severe weather over the summer season, NQBP said. Tropical Cyclone Narelle crossed Cape York Peninsula in March, with heavy rainfall, flooding and increased wave heights moving more sediment into the port's shipping channels.

NQBP thanked all staff and contractors involved for their work in delivering the program, and also praised the Weipa fishing and boating community for their cooperation and for adhering to operational and safety requirements throughout the dredging campaign.

Throughout the dredging, NQBP engaged with key stakeholders including the Weipa Technical Advisory and Consultative Committee (TACC), whose members include conservation groups, Traditional Owners, scientists, community representatives, port users, and Commonwealth and State Government agencies.

Environmental monitoring and management measures were in place throughout the campaign to minimise any potential impact on the marine environment.

NQBP has delivered the annual maintenance dredging program at the Port of Weipa for more than 30 years.