Dredging to improve river navigation

Dredging of the Mooloolaba Boat Harbour at the mouth of the Mooloolah River is expected to begin later this month.

Phil Reeves, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Transport and Main Roads, said 20,000 cubic metres of sand would be removed at a cost of $250,000.

“This dredging project is crucial for recreation boaties and the large commercial fishing fleet on the SunshineCoast.

“Queensland Transport is contributing $200,000 of the cost of the dredging with Caloundra City Council funding the remaining $50,000.

“Work begins either late this month, or in early September and should take about ten weeks to finish.”

Mr Reeves said the dredging operation would focus on the harbour’s pile mooring area, opposite the Mooloolaba pilot boat station.

“They’ll be digging out sand from a large shoal that’s built up over time in the navigation channel and pile mooring area.

“Removing it will make navigating the channels much easier, particularly for larger vessels.

“Most of the 20,000 cubic metres of sand will be recycled to boost the beach at Point Cartwright’s La Balsa Cove.

“Some sand will also be strategically deposited offshore from Mooloolaba Spit to feed the beach and others further north,” Mr Reeves said.

Caloundra City Mayor Don Aldous and Divisional Councillor Andrew Champion have welcomed the project.

“It will make this river and the parkland at La Balsa Park an even better place for locals and visitors to enjoy,” Cr Aldous said.

During the project, access will be closed to the rock wall on the Kawana side of the river.

Mooloolaba Boat Harbour is one of eleven state boat harbours strategically positioned along the Queensland coast as havens for recreational and commercial boating.

The harbour is the base for Brisbane Marine Pilots, two marinas and a large commercial fishing fleet, as well as being a popular launching point for recreational craft.

Media Contact: Darren Roberts, 3237 1947 / 0448 184566.