Queensland’s Port of Townsville issues channel widening notice to boaters

The Port of Townsville’s $232 million Channel Upgrade project covering Cleveland Bay has commenced following the arrival of the backhoe dredger Woomera.

In line with the widening works, the Regional Harbour Master has declared a Marine Restricted Area around the dredger as Townsville’s shipping channel is widened.

Mariners are therefore advised of the following:

• Stay at least 100 metres away from the dredger and barges.
• Cardinal marks will be placed around Woomera to mark the Restricted Area.
• Dredging will occur 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
• Barges will transport dredge material to a jetty on the new rock wall.
• Be aware of increased marine traffic and observe all speed limits.
• Tune in to VHF 16 and 22 when out on the water.

The latest Notice to Mariners is available at here.

Woomera will widen Townsville’s 14.9-kilometre shipping channel from 92 metres to 180 metres at the inshore (Port) end, tapering to 120 metres at the seaward end.

Dredging will commence 1.5 nautical miles from the breakwater wall and location updates will be provided regularly via VHF channel 16 so boaters can plan their trips with minimal disruption.

Channel widening is scheduled to take two years. Upon completion ships up to 300 metres long will be able to safely access the Port, instead of bypassing Townsville.

For more information about the Channel Upgrade project, click here.