The new channel will be widened to 12 metres and deepened to 2m below Lowest Astronomical Tide to guarantee all-tide access out to Cape Upstart and offshore waters.
Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said Sunshine Coast-based company Hall Contracting Pty Ltd had been awarded a $3.1 million contract to complete the dredging.
"This project will support 24 jobs when it gets going.
“It will remove more than 120,000 cubic metres of sediment from the shallow access channel, shaping a new channel for boaties.
“That’s going to be music to the ears for members of the Burdekin Volunteer Marine Rescue team and the Molongle Creek Boat Club, who have been keen to see this work provide safer all-tide access for the Burdekin area. “
A celebration and handover event is being organised for 24 September at the club.
“Hall plans to start dredging soon as the pipeline to the new disposal area is set up.
“We are aiming to have the works completed by the end of the year weather permitting.
“The dredging is being carried out under strict state and Commonwealth environmental approvals, and I thank these agencies for working with my department to enable this important work to proceed.
“With the disposal facility completed earlier in March this year, the team is well prepared to properly contain and dispose of the dredge material."
Mr Bailey said water quality monitoring would be carried out throughout the dredging.
"Key stakeholders, Whitsunday Regional Council and the Molongle Creek Boat Club have been involved every step of the way and we will continue to consult with them throughout the project," he said.
