Port Hinchinbrook (One Mile Creek) Dredge Sediment Disposal

At the October 2023 Local Government Meeting, Cassowary Coast Regional Council received the Port Hinchinbrook (One Mile Creek) Dredge Sediment Disposal Site Analysis Report (Report).

Council resolved to:

1. Receive the Dredge Sediment Disposal Site Analysis Report;

2. Commence scope development for design for the Dredge Sediment Management Facility

and associated Acid Sulphate Management Plan on Lot 170 SP177389; and

3. Request the Chief Executive Officer commence discussion with the Federal Government in

relation to the activities in the current funding agreement;

4. Request the Chief Executive Officer commence discussion with the Department of

Environment and Science in relation to confirming process and timeframes for a new

dredging approval;

5. Request the Chief Executive Officer commence discussion with the liquidators in relation to

the outcomes of the report particularly as they relate to Lot 170 SP177389; and

6. Request the Chief Executive Officer provide a report detailing options to progress the

project or otherwise to Council following these discussions and consideration of the Dredge

Sediment Analysis Report.

The Report, compiled by Water Technology Pty Ltd, was delivered to Council on 19 October 2023, and was given high priority as an addition to the October Local Government Meeting Agenda. This Report will play a pivotal role in decision making for this project. By publishing the Report, Council aims to enhance understanding around the complexities of this project and the rationale behind future decision-making, and to demonstrate Council’s commitment to being open and transparent.

As outlined in the Report, the sediment sampling has identified Acid Sulphate Soils (ASS), necessitating a change in disposal methodology. This mandates the scoping of an ASS management plan, which will influence the design of Lot 170 (the existing disposal location) being the preferred site for dredge sediment disposal as articulated in the Report. The insights from the Report will be incorporated into ongoing discussions with the Port Hinchinbrook Estate Liquidator and Queensland and Australian Government partners. This involves further priority discussions with the Department of Environment and Science regarding the Environmental Approval process.

To date, Council has not lodged a milestone claim under the $1.5 million funding agreement with the Australian Government.

To find a copy of the Report, and for more information, please visit yoursay.cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au/dredging.

Council is committed to providing timely, accurate and relevant information to stakeholders and community members throughout the duration of this project. To stay updated on project developments and receive other important Council news, Council invites you to register for its E-newsletter by visiting yoursay.cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au/signup.

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