EXCAVATION works will start on the Bent Street Navigation channel from today.
The excavation will ensure it is safe for boat users this summer season, with works expected to continue up until Christmas.
During the works, the Bent Street Channel will remain operational, however, there will be no access to the Carlisle Street sand boat ramp due to trucks transporting the excavated material. Alternative boat facilities for recreational boat users are available at Donald Drive.
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READ NOWThe City of Rockinham started planning the works immediately after the winter period, when the coastal processes shifting the sand had lessened, and an accurate calculation of the volume of material to be removed could be done to inform the tender process.
The City also had to seek additional approval from the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attraction (DBCA) due to the different method selected for excavating the channel. The selected method, using a long reach excavator, reduces the impact on the environment.
A statement from council said : “while the City understands and apologises for the inconvenience associated with the Carlisle Street boat ramp closure during the crayfish season, it is essential to ensure the safety of workers and beach users. Both Donald Drive and Bent Street boat ramps are open to reduce the inconvenience.”
Mayor Barry Sammels said the City and the DBCA had successfully negotiated a sustainable use for the excavated sand from the Bent Street Channel.
“The coastline near Apex Holiday Park has experienced significant erosion over the years so DBCA is keen to use the excavated material from Bent Street to protect the shoreline,” he said.
“Excavated sand will initially be stockpiled to dry, adjacent to the Point Peron beach, until early 2019.
“White sand from the Point Peron sand trap will then be placed on top of the excavated material to improve the visual appeal of the beach.”
Environmental testing has confirmed that there are no concerns in reusing the excavated material.