Collie River dredging commences
Boat owners will have better access to the Collie River and adjoining Leschenault Estuary this summer with the commencement of dredging of the river mouth channel.
The river mouth depth has been reduced to around half a metre at high tide in recent times because of silting, making it nearly impossible for boat owners to access the adjoining Leschenault Estuary.
The dredging project, expected to cost around $400,000, will increase the depth to 1.2m.
The project was proposed in 2005 following concerns from the boating community.
A number of issues had to be addressed before dredging could take place, primarily environmental issues such as the risk of acid sulphate soil and where the dredged spoil should go.
The Department of Water also indicated that dredging should only occur in winter.
These issues, along with limited access to dredging equipment, meant an extended wait to get the project underway.
The dredging will improve access for local boat owners and river users.
The local Noongar community, the traditional landowners, was consulted before the project commenced.
The project has been coordinated by the South West Development Commission, working with State government agencies and local government.