Dredging starts at Devonport East
TasPorts’ contractors have started the dredging and reclamation works for the Devonport East Terminal 3 development.
QuayLink is a $240 million investment to upgrade the East Devonport port infrastructure and to future-proof Devonport as a tourism gateway for the next 50 years.
The JV company established by Hazell Bros Group Pty Ltd and Brady Marine & Civil Pty Ltd to complete the work is using a 150-tonne land-based long reach excavator, as well as a smaller long-reach excavator working from a floating barge.
TasPorts CEO Anthony Donald said the work – that would see about 45,000 cubic metres of material excavated – was expected to take two to three months to complete.
“The works will deliver a new berth pocket, wharf structure and reclamation area at the existing Berth 3E specifically designed for the new Spirit of Tasmania vessels,” he said.
“The work is being carried out in accordance with EPA Tasmania requirements, and there will be no disruption to port activities and shipping schedules.” Hours of work are from 7am-7pm Monday to Friday and 7am to 7pm Saturdays.
“A key focus of this work is on environmental sustainability and as such it will include additional monitoring of turbidity in the Mersey River to gain a better understanding of plume movements.”
Mr Donald said TasPorts’ significant investment in this redevelopment project would future proof Devonport as a gateway for Bass Strait trade and tourism for the next 50 years.
“Upgrades to the adjacent East No 2 Berth to cater for larger SeaRoad vessels are also planned.”
Mr Donald said TasPorts remained committed to ensuring all dredging activities at Tasmanian ports are undertaken in a manner that considers the impact on both community and the environment.
“We acknowledge the contribution of the Technical Advisory Consultative Committee – a forum established for TasPorts to engage, consult and collaborate with peak bodies and other relevant stakeholders – for its engagement around planned dredging activities.”
“The Committee has been instrumental in enabling authentic community engagement,” he said.