Government announces dredging plan for Carnarvon Fascine

• $3 million dredging project confirmed for Carnarvon Fascine
• Dredging operation will begin mid-year
• The works will provide for improved vessel access from fascine
• Government opened 16 new boat pens last year to help improve ocean access for Carnarvon boaties
  

The Transport Minister has today announced the McGowan Government will undertake a $3 million dredging project to improve ocean access from the Carnarvon Fascine. The project will also include works to stabilise the sand spit.

The measure is part of the $7 million multifaceted Carnarvon Fascine Entryway and Boat Harbour Pen Project, announced in 2020, to deliver improved ocean access for boat owners in Carnarvon.

As part of the same project, in August last year the McGowan Government opened 16 new boat pens in the Carnarvon Boat Harbour worth $2.1 million.

Build up of sediment has restricted ocean access from the entryway of the Fascine, particularly for members of the Carnarvon Yacht Club.

Over the past two years the Department of Transport (DoT) has been closely monitoring the movement of sediment in the Fascine entryway, and the option to undertake dredging was confirmed after technical studies showed that built options to improve vessel access were not viable long-term solutions.

To efficiently use public resources and avoid the duplicate costs of remobilising the dredge, DoT will also bring forward its planned dredging of Carnarvon boat harbour and Teggs Channel. The dredging work will be supported by an Environmental Impact Assessment and Dredging Environmental Management Plan. The dredging work is planned for June.

Find out more about the Carnarvon Fascine Entryway and Boat Harbour Pen Project.

Comments attributed to Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:

"I am glad we have been able to reach this decision.

"Due to the dynamic nature of the waterway the decision to dredge still brings with it some risk but it will include work to stabilise the sand spit that breached in 2017 to limit the need for future works.

"There has been close collaboration between DoT, the Shire of Carnarvon, Gascoyne Development Commission and Carnarvon Yacht Club since this multifaceted project commenced which has also seen the completion of 16 new floating boat pens at Carnarvon Boat Harbour at a cost of $2.1 million.

"Dredging the entrance was considered the best option and when combined with the other initiatives will improve ocean access for vessels and boaties in Carnarvon."

Minister's office - 6552 5500