Dredging project gets go ahead
BOATIES, property owners and essential marine services at Cardwell will finally gain alltide access to the Hinchinbrook Channel after longawaited funding for dredging “received the final tick of approval.”
The dredging of One Mile Creek, which runs through the Hinchinbrook Harbour estate, has long been on the agenda for locals who have relied on tides for access due to sand and silt build up. This build-up also hampers efforts of the local Coast Guard.
In 2019, Cassowary
Coast Regional Council had entered an agreement with the federal government which would deliver $1.5m to dredge the waterway, however, bureaucratic red tape played its part, frustrating locals who had to wait until Wednesday to see the money.
Townsville-based LNP senator Susan McDonald made the announcement this week that the $1.5m project had been approved, but not without acknowledging “numerous delays”.
A spokesman for Senator McDonald said those delays included changes to federal ministerial portfolios, a local government election resulting in a new mayor, complications in discussions with the liquidator of the estate, and Covid-19.
CCRC was asked how soon the $1.5m would come into effect and what the total cost of dredging and ongoing maintenance would be. In a statement, a spokesman said: “Council is planning to make an official announcement regarding funding and next steps in due course. We thank the community for their continued patience and interest in this project.”