VICTORIAN Regional Channels Authority is looking into problems with new buoys deployed at Westernport, Victoria.
On 15 July, the Hastings harbour master issued a notice saying lights on four buoys were temporarily unavailable and that mariners were advised to proceed with caution when navigating nearby.
A further notice on 19 July stated three of the buoys had been “removed temporarily”.
Local newspaper the Phillip Island Advertiser published a photo and a short story about pieces of one of the buoys being washed up on a beach at the small town of Cowes.
VRCA commercial manager Ian Clydesdale confirmed “some unexpected problems” with some newly-deployed buoys.
“VRCA has deployed new buoys in Westernport and have experienced some unexpected problems,” Mr Clydesdale said.
“Three buoys have been brought back for testing and will be replaced when weather permits.”
Mr Clydesdale said navigation had resumed “as normal with no restrictions”.
The port of Hasting is best-known for its role in the liquid bulk trade.
It was mooted as the site of a future container terminal, however those plans seemingly dropped off the radar after the Liberal/National coalition lost power in Victoria in 2014.
