Devonport no longer slip-slippin’ away

TASPORTS and local company BridgePro Engineering have ambitious plans for a revitalised Mersey Slipway in Devonport following the completion of a major site remediation.

Over the last three years, TasPorts has invested more than $1.3 million to remediate legacy contamination at the slipway site, addressing more than 2,000 tonnes of contaminated material across landside areas and the tidal zone on the bank of the Mersey River just north of the Victoria Bridge. 

TasPorts says the program has cleared the way for the site to become one of the largest slipways and working yards for the tug, fishing and aquaculture fleets in southern Australia.

The project is Tasmania's first known large-scale marine sediment remediation and beneficial reuse project, with more than 1,000 tonnes of contaminated material excavated, treated and reused onsite to create a new reclaim area.

This reclaim area is protected and separated from the marine environment by a rock revetment (protective wall), constructed in partnership with the site tenant and future slipway operator, BridgePro Engineering. 

The Environment Protection Authority has since issued a Remediation Notice Completion Certificate, enabling BridgePro Engineering to now complete the next stage of redevelopment works before reopening the facility in the first quarter of 2027.

The slipway originates from 1881 when established by Harry Woods, who married into the famous shipping and transport Holyman family.

The facility serviced and constructed hundreds of vessels over the years, including the then Port of Devonport Authority trailing suction hopper dredge Port Frederick, now owned by McQuade Marine and stationed in Queensland.

The locally-owned fishing boat Dell Richey II was the last to be built at the Woods Point site, delivered in 2000.

The site was vacated by the previous tenant in July 2022, after which TasPorts discovered a number of environmental issues requiring remediation.

TasPorts CEO Captain Allan Gray said the completion of the remediation works takes the project one step closer to restoring a strategically important facility for Tasmania's maritime sector. 

"This project has transformed a site affected by legacy contamination into one that is ready for its next chapter,” Captain Gray said.  "Since 2023, TasPorts has invested in a significant remediation program, addressing contamination both on land and within the tidal zone, while also upgrading critical infrastructure at the site. 

“By integrating remediation with an infrastructure solution, TasPorts has helped establish the foundation for the long-term operation and future expansion of the Mersey Slipway, supporting local vessel operators, the fishing industry and the broader maritime community for years to come." 

Following a public expression of interest process, TasPorts entered into a Lease and Development Agreement with BridgePro Engineering to operate the site including both the existing slipway site and adjacent land, creating an expanded footprint for future growth in slipway operations. 

The agreement ensures that the ongoing operation of the slipway will meet strict environmental compliance and best industry practice into the future, TasPorts says.

BridgePro Engineering MD Aaron Brimfield said the remediation works had created a strong platform for the company's plans for the site. 

“TasPorts’ remediation works have created an important foundation for the future of the Mersey Slipway, and BridgePro is now focused on building on that work to deliver lasting benefits for the community,” Mr Brimfield said.

“Our primary focus is on delivering a safe, sustainable and fit-for-purpose facility that supports vessel operators, local industry and the long-term future of marine services in the region .

“We know there is a strong demand for local slipway services and BridgePro has aspirations to expand the facility’s capabilities so more vessel owners and operators can access the maintenance and repair services they need, closer to home,” he said.

"Our vision is to see the Mersey Slipway become the largest Australian slipway south of Brisbane, with a 700tonne mobile boat hoist, three enclosed blasting and painting bays and heavy hardstand."