Dredging plan for Carnarvon Fascine released

The Transport Minister, Rita Saffioti, today announced that 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.

This announcement is the result of the close collaboration between Transport WA, the Shire of Carnarvon, Gascoyne Development Commission and Carnarvon Yacht Club.

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.

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.

“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.” said Transport Minister Rita Saffioti. “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.”

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.