Port Hinchinbrook STP construction and One Mile Creek dredging update

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Published
15th March 2024

Council is pleased to share with you the latest progress on the One Mile Creek Dredging and Port Hinchinbrook Sewerage Treatment Plant construction in Cardwell.

One Mile Creek Dredging

Council is moving forward with a focus on the short-term option of dredging less than 1,000 tonnes as this will provide improved access whilst we work with the Cardwell stakeholders to advocate to State and Federal governments on long-term solutions for all-tide access in One Mile Creek.

Here are the key updates on the project:

  • Consultant team appointment: We are pleased to announce that a consultant team has been appointed to advance the project through the crucial environmental approvals and permits process required for dredging less than 1,000 tonnes from One Mile Creek.
  • Hydrographic survey completion: A comprehensive hydrographic survey has been successfully completed, providing essential data for the project's planning and execution.
  • Pre-Application meeting with SARA: We have lodged a pre-application meeting with the relevant authorities, specifically regarding tidal works and associated permits with the State Assessment and Referral Agency (SARA).
  • Dredging Management Plan development: Work is underway on the development of the Dredging Management Plan, a vital component to ensure the efficient and responsible execution of the dredging activities.
  • Request for Tender: The process for requesting tenders for the dredging works is ongoing. Finalisation of this aspect is pending Council's understanding of the requirements set forth by SARA and the subsequent impact on our works program.
  • Projected completion date: As it stands, our current schedule aims to complete the dredging by late July 2024. However, please note that this timeline is subject to potential delays that may arise during the course of the project.
  • Funding update: Council has taken the necessary steps to submit a variation request to the Australian Government funding agency. This request is intended to enable the project to proceed under the original $1.5 million grant agreement. We are currently awaiting a formal response and will keep you informed of any developments in this regard.

Your continued patience and support as we navigate through these stages of the project are greatly appreciated. We remain committed to ensuring transparency and open communication throughout the entire process. Should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.

Thank you for your attention, and we look forward to updating you further as the One Mile Creek Dredging project progresses.

The Port Hinchinbrook (One Mile Creek) dredging project is funded with $1.5 million from the Australian Government.

For further information please go to https://yoursay.cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au/dredging   

Sewerage Treatment Plant (STP) construction

Construction of the plant is now 50% complete with the project on track to reach completion within budget in August 2024 (pending weather and unforeseen delays).

  • Major concrete works have now been completed
  • Hydrotesting is complete
  • Installation of in-ground services is currently underway
  • Coating of concrete tanks is complete 
  • The major storage tank has been procured and enroute from the UK

The normalisation of Port Hinchinbrook is expected to cost $19.3 million, with $17 million allocated towards the total STP project. These works would not have been made possible without the contribution of $12.3 million in funding provided by the Australian and Queensland Governments.

For further information about Port Hinchinbrook (Cardwell) Sewerage Treatment Plant & Normalisation please see Council’s Your Say page at https://yoursay.cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au/port-hinchinbrook.