Hall Contracting’s backhoe Woomera sets sail from Townsville

Hall Contracting’s backhoe dredge Woomera is joining various tugboats in ceremonially marking the last bucket of material dredged as part of the Port of Townsville Channel Upgrade project.

Since commencing capital dredging in early 2022, Hall team has removed 3.4 million cubic meters of material from the Platypus Channel and the adjoining Sea Channel.

The works are set to enable trade, defense and cruise ships up to 300 meters in length to access the port.

“While Woomera will set sail from Townsville shortly, Hall looks forward to maintaining its presence in the region, with our crew continuing to construct rear scour protection for the Channel Upgrade project’s existing rock wall,” the company said.

The $1.6 billion Port Expansion Project (PEP) is a long-term development plan for the port.

It includes capital dredging for channel widening, land reclamation to develop a new outer harbour, wharves, and associated infrastructure.