Service review dredges up savings for Kingston District Council

The Kingston District Council has entered a long-term partnership with South Australian owned company Maritime Constructions. The main goal of this deal is achieving considerable cost savings in dredging operations at the Cape Jaffa Marina, said the Council.

Council has owned and operated its Damen Cutter Suction Dredge since mid-2018 and until recently, was the only dredge owned by a South Australian Council.  

In reflecting on the Council’s original decision to procure the dredge, Chief Executive Officer Nat Traeger said: “It was a bold and innovative solution to sand bypassing at the time, and without question, the most significant purchase the Council has undertaken in terms of logistics of an overseas purchase, transportation, assembly and ensuing successful operation.”

“It is a credit to Council staff that they have successfully managed the dredging program at Cape Jaffa for five-years,” she said.  

“However, when it is all said and done, this is a specialised activity and our team, small and mighty as they are, have the opportunity to achieve significant efficiency gains and cost savings, with outsourcing the service to a reputable and experienced operator”.

Mayor Jeff Pope indicated that the decision was not taken lightly: “Council has been deliberating its options since January 2022, and has undertaken considerable financial and service analysis, due diligence and prudential reviews to ensure the best possible outcome for our community”.

The Damen Cutter Suction Dredge has now been removed from the water by crane, and dismantled piece by piece, in preparation for its five-yearly out of water survey.