Preparations have begun for planned navigational dredging of the Burnett River near Kirby’s Wall in Bundaberg.
The dredging will restore the depth of the river’s navigation channels, which were severely damaged during extensive flooding early last year as a result of ex-cyclone Oswald.
While most of the 12-kilometre stretch of river between the mouth and the town reach is relatively deep, about 65,000 cubic metres of sand and gravel will be removed from a small area to improve access in the channels.
I encourage boaties to be aware of the presence of dredging equipment, and to proceed with caution if navigating through the area while dredging is underway.
Neumann Contracting has been awarded a contract to undertake the works and is currently setting up on site. Works are expected to start early next month.
Joint funding for the works has been provided by the Department of Transport and Main Roads and the Department of Natural Resources and Mines.
The dredging is expected to be completed by mid-year.
The works come after Transport and Main Roads last year restored navigation aids in the Port of Bundaberg following the floods.