Emergency Dredging To Begin At Port Hinchinbrook’s One Mile Creek

On Monday 6 January 2025, physical emergency dredging operations will commence at Port Hinchinbrook’s One Mile Creek to improve both recreational and essential access.
Announced on Wednesday 27 November, countless locals welcomed the news with open arms, taking to social media to express their gratitude towards the Cassowary Coast Regional Council, adding these plans have been highly anticipated across the entire boating and fishing community.
One Mile Creek has been a contentious topic of discussion for many years, with Member for Hinchinbrook, Nick Dametto, spearheading concerns for the area since 2020, outlining the necessity of developing both a long-term solution as well as actioning emergency dredging.
Scheduled for January, the dredging will extend across a four-week period with approximately 990 tonnes of material expected to be removed from the area.
In order to execute the planned operations, a 100m exclusion zone around the dredging area will be established to protect the safety of all water users, whilst stabilising the batter slopes and seabed.
The Port Hinchinbrook Boat Ramp will be closed throughout the period, with the Cassowary Coat Regional Council encouraging the community to utilise alternative boat ramp locations at Marine Parade, Meunga Creek or Fishers Creek.
A lengthy process, the Cassowary Coat Regional Council has undertaken sediment testing, analysed dredge sediment disposal sites, conducted a hydrographic survey, and met with the State Assessment and Referral Agency (SARA) prior to receiving $1.5 million in funding from the Australian Government to commence works.
“Following the receipt of a Deed of Variation from the Department of Infrastructure in October 2024, we are moving forward with this crucial project to enhance our local waterway,” shared the Cassowary Coast Regional Council.
“We want to reassure the community, that environmental considerations are a priority, and we will be managing our obligations under the Environmental Protection Act 1994 to monitor and mitigate any potential impacts.”
Although vital, the current emergency program exists as merely a short-term solution to the ongoing accessibility issues concerning One Mile Creek, Port Hinchinbrook Marina and the surrounding onshore facilities.

‍

One Mile Creek underwent emergency dredging in 2022.
One Mile Creek was also a contentious topic of discussion in 2020.

‍