Inverloch dredge watch: Arrival delayed to next week

LOCALS keeping a weather eye out for the arrival of the sand dredge from Bribie Island in Queensland can put the binoculars and drones away for at least another week.

According to the latest word from DEECA Gippsland (Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action), the start of work on Inverloch’s $5.3 million sand dredging and renourishment project has been delayed by Queensland’s weather.

The ‘Gippsland Coastal Projects team’ issued the following statement to its Inverloch Stakeholders.

“We are writing advise of an updated date for the commencement of the dune reconstruction and beach nourishment works at Inverloch Surf Beach.

“Hall Contracting, the contractor delivering these works, are experiencing delays in demobilising their dredging equipment from a previous project in Queensland due to unfavourable weather conditions. As this project relies on highly specialised equipment, this has impacted mobilisation at Inverloch.

“Hall Contracting is currently working through practical delivery strategies to mitigate the impacts of this delay and progress the project safely and effectively. Locals may have seen them already on site, welding pipe in preparation for the dredge arrival.

“DEECA remains committed to delivering these important coastal protection works at Inverloch to help maintain safe access to the beach.

“The dredge is now expected to arrive in Inverloch from the week of 13 April. Hall are confident that the works will still be finalised by the end of June.

“We recognise the strong community interest in timely delivery and will continue to keep stakeholders informed as timeframes are refined and the project progresses.

“Thank you for your continued interest in and support of this project.”