Inlet dredging review as wharf work begins
CRUISE liner wharf construction has kicked off with a serious bang just as the State Government launches an indepth review of its Trinity Inlet dredging limitations.
Heavy vibrations rattled teeth across the city yesterday as heavy machinery drove massive steel piles into the sea bed in front of Wharf 1 at the Cairns Cruise Liner Terminal.
Vibrations were felt as far away as Parramatta Park, with winds carrying the loud thumping noises across the city.
The work – to extend and strengthen existing wharf facilities before the promised influx of bigger and better cruise ships to the city – is set to start again today when the tide is right.
“There will be some noise impact in the area, and Austral Construction, which is undertaking the works, has been instructed to avoid using the pile driving hammer at sensitive times (before 9.30am and between 11.30am and 1.30pm to accommodate the busy lunchtime period),” a Ports North spokeswoman said in a statement.
“This is a significant project for Cairns and we do appreciate your patience and understanding as we continue to progress with the wharf construction phase.”
It comes as the Queensland Government launches a review of the Port of Cairns capital dredging provisions contained in the Sustainable Ports Development Act 2015.
The legislation states no more than 150,000 cubic metres of capital dredging material can be removed from the inner harbour over a four-year period, with a limit of 50,000 cubic metres being approved at any one time.
The Cairns Shipping Development — approved for up to a million cubic metres — was exempt from the provisions.
Transport Minister Mark Bailey said the review’s findings could determine whether increased or decreased dredging was approved in future.
“We’re now seeking community feedback on the current rules that specifically apply to new capital dredging projects in the inner harbour at the Port of Cairns,” he said.
“Essentially, we’re asking people whether the current limits on new capital dredging achieve a balance between the need to support new economic development and the protection of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area.
“We’re taking submissions until February 7, 2020 and then will consider whether any changes to the current dredging provisions are required, based on those submissions.”
Submissions must be made in writing to the Minister for Transport and Main Roads.