Dredging at St Kilda Harbour to provide safer boating access

Thursday 22 November, 2012

Parks Victoria has commenced maintenance dredging at St Kilda Harbour this week following natural sand build up which has created a hazard for recreational and commercial boat operators at the inner low landing.

"The works form part of an ongoing dredging program to ensure the continuation of safe boating access to St Kilda Harbour precinct" said Parks Victoria Ranger in Charge, Edena Critch.

"The dredged material is predominantly sand and will be placed at the access ramp used for sailboat training and north of the groyne opposite the Bicentennial Rotunda in the Catani Gardens, providing replication of the natural coastal processes and improvement to recreational amenity." said Ms Critch.

Ms Critch added that the freshly dredged material contains organic material, mostly seaweed which gives the sand a dark colour and odour. Visitors to the beach should not be concerned as the sand is tested on a regular basis.

"While the dredged sand may look and a mild smell unpleasant when it first comes out of the water, after a few days exposure to the air and sun, the sand will bleach to the normal colour and lose the odour." Ms Critch said.

Mariners are advised to exercise caution during the dredging process and are also reminded to observe the 5 knot speed limit in the harbour and in the vicinity of the dredge. The dredge will be restricted in its ability to manoeuvre during the dredging operations and all vessel operators are reminded to observe the marks on the dredge and pass safely on side showing two black diamonds.

Dredging at St Kilda Harbour was last carried out in October 2009 and will run for approximately one week depending upon weather.

For more information about the dredging at St Kilda Harbour, contact the Parks Victoria Information Centre on 13 1963.