Mooloolah River Sand Shifter Trial Underway (Australia)

Sand shifting will soon begin at Mooloolaba Harbour, making it easier for boats to navigate.

Member for Maroochydore Fiona Simpson said the $350,000 bypass system would prevent sand entering the navigation channel.

“Sand will be removed before it crosses the entrance to Mooloolaba Harbour, and will then be transferred and deposited to Mooloolaba Beach, replenishing this area,” Ms Simpson said.

“Over the past 12 months, we have seen an unprecedented chain of events occur at Mooloolaba where sand has continued to move around Point Cartwright causing substantial disruption to harbour users.

“The sand shifter system has been successful in other areas around the country, so we’re hopeful it will help solve some of the issues at Mooloolaba.

“The device has an extraction unit, a pumping station and a submerged pipeline to discharge sand on to Mooloolaba Beach.”

Member for Kawana Jarrod Bleijie said an area about 20m x 20m would be cleared to install the pumping station, with vegetation along the pathway leading to the station trimmed to allow equipment to be delivered to the site.

“Clearing work will be carried out in conjunction with Sunshine Coast Regional Council,” Mr Bleijie said.

“The trial will continue for a period of about six months.

“Dredging of the Mooloolah River entrance continues with the Port Frederick and Saibai in operation when weather permits.”

Mr Bleijie said all harbour users should continue to navigate with extreme caution.

The sand shifter is currently being installed and will commence pumping sand in the coming weeks.

[mappress]

Dredging Today Staff, July 27, 2012; Image: hallcontracting