Coomera River channel dredging project

Published Friday, 03 March, 2023 at 09:00 AM

Minister for Transport and Main Roads
The Honourable Mark Bailey

  • Dredging will soon start on the Coomera River
  • The $2.5 million project will commence in April

A significant dredging campaign that will improve navigation in the Coomera River will soon get underway. 

The Coomera River is the primary access way for a wide variety of commercial, industrial, residential, and recreational waterway users.

The $2.5 million project is scheduled to commence in April and will deepen the Coomera River channel. 

The Coomera River channel dredging project will be delivered through the Gold Coast Waterways Management Program 2022‐26.

Sediment which is unsuitable to be used on the beach will be transferred via a pipeline for processing at the Coomera dredged sediment management facility.

The Coomera River channel dredging project is expected to be completed by late June 2023.

Quote attributed to the Member for Gaven, Meaghan Scanlon MP:

“Over time, sand and sediment are deposited, forming shoals in the rivers and waterways which may inhibit access or be a safety issue,” Ms Scanlon said.

“This dredging will remove shoaling in the navigation channel from Sovereign Islands to the Hope Harbour entrance. 

Quote attributed to Transport and Main Roads Minister, Mark Bailey MP:

“It’s great news for recreational users and for the Marine Precinct businesses who rely on access to the Coomera River and connection to the Broadwater via this channel," Mr Bailey said.

The Palaszczuk Government will be delivering almost $5.2 billion worth of road and transport infrastructure projects across the Gold Coast and surrounding areas over the next four years.

Quote attributed to Gold Coast Waterways Authority Chief Executive Officer, Chris Derksema:

“Dredging of the Coomera River channel is maintenance we undertake every two years under the Waterways Management Program,” Mr Derksema said.

“We’re committed to maintaining open and safe access for all waterways users. Two dredges will be working simultaneously to ensure minimal disruption during this campaign.”

“Reusing the sand is an extra benefit of the project. Approximately 35,000 cubic metres of sandy from downstream of Sanctuary Cove will aid sand nourishment at northern Gold Coast beaches." 

ENDS

Media contact: Joe Ogilvie - 0423 184 412