Port Hinchinbrook Flood Debris Cleanup Set to Start in April 2025

The aftermath of the unprecedented flooding event in February 2025 has left a lasting impact on the Port Hinchinbrook area, with significant debris build-up in One Mile Creek and the Commercial Basin. These flood-related remnants have raised serious maritime safety concerns, prompting urgent action by Cassowary Coast Regional Council to address the issue.

 What’s Happening Now:

Council has approved the contract for emergency debris removal from One Mile Creek and the Port Hinchinbrook commercial basin, awarded to Australasian Marine Associates Pty Ltd. Maintenance of both areas is the responsibility of The Passage Holdings Pty Ltd (in liquidation).

The project will be funded under Category C of the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), designed to assist councils with the cost of debris cleanup and disposal after a disaster. After finalising contract details, equipment will be mobilised, with work expected to begin in mid-April 2025.

This phase focuses on removing debris that poses safety risks to recreational boaters and smaller commercial vessels. Poor navigational conditions, caused by debris, can lead to accidents and groundings, creating significant hazards.

It's important to note that this phase is not about dredging, but about removing natural debris (e.g., rocks and vegetation), man-made debris, and hazardous materials from the flooding event. Future dredging cannot proceed without first completing this critical step of debris removal.

Looking to the Future:

Council is committed to addressing the challenges caused by flooding and ensuring the safety and recovery of Cardwell and Port Hinchinbrook. We will continue advocating to the Queensland Government for a sustainable, long-term dredging plan that minimises financial risks to Cassowary Coast ratepayers.

Council will also work with the Queensland Government and other stakeholders to restore full tide access to the development. We urge the Queensland Government to expedite the acquisition of land currently in liquidation, as this is critical for Port Hinchinbrook’s long-term recovery and the creation of a sustainable dredging maintenance plan.

Cassowary Coast Regional Council thanks the Australian and Queensland Governments for activating the Community Relief Fund for the exceptional disaster event AGRN 1174: North and Far North Tropical Low, which began on 29 January 2025.

For further information contact Council at 1300 763 903 or email enquiries@cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au.

Image caption: One Mile Creek after the disaster impacts.