MORE than 80,000 cubic metres of sand will be dredged from navigation channels in the Broadwater following Gold Coast City Council’s $5 million ‘reclamation project’.
Dredging is expected to take three months to pump the sand from the southern channel, near the Seaway entrance, and south Wave Break Island channel.
The sand will be deposited at the site of the Southport Broadwater Parklands where it will be used in a 3.2ha children’s playground and mangrove area.
Mayor Ron Clarke says the project will significantly improve recreational and commercial boating activity in one of the south east’s most popular waterways.
“The Broadwater is one of our city’s major drawcards and dredging in the Southport Seaway and south of Wave Break Island will deepen water levels by up to 8m,” says Cr Clarke.
“This will provide a real boost to both commercial and recreational boat operators, making navigation of our most important boating channels much easier.
“Council has worked closely with State Government agencies, environmental groups, local commercial and recreational boating bodies, environmental groups and Griffith University’s Centre for Coastal Management to achieve the best possible outcome.”
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