Sand replenishment to impact four Douglas beaches
Sand Replenishment Works
Four Douglas region beaches will have imposed access restrictions and be overtaken by heavy equipment during the remainder of the peak tourism season for sand replenishment works beginning early August.
Cook MP David Kempton announced yesterday that Maritime Safety Queensland is set to commence the Port Douglas Beach and Sand Replenishment Works at Rocky Point, Newell Beach, Helmet Creek and Oak Beach through to late September.
In a release from Mr Kempton, it is detailed that the work will support upcoming maintenance dredging at Port Douglas boat harbour.
“Around 45,000 cubic metres of sand will be removed from MSQ’s local dredge material rehandling facility at Killaloe,’’ it says.
“This sand was extracted from the Port Douglas boat harbour entrance during earlier dredging works and will now be recycled to help renourish beaches at Rocky Point, Newell Beach, Helmet Creek and Oak Beach.
“These beaches were damaged by recent storms and the added sand will help bring them back to a healthier state.
“It will also improve erosion protection for nearby communities ahead of the next storm season.’’
A similar program of sand replenishment at Newell Beach last October raised widespread debate about the program, its value and the impact of disruptions on residents and tourists.
The sand-replenishment works are scheduled to take place from early August through to late-September, with work undertaken Monday to Friday between 7am and 5pm.
All works will be subject to weather and site conditions permitting. No works will take place on Sundays or public holidays, however, some out-of-hours works may be required.
During this time, the local community may experience the following impacts:
• Increased truck movements along the Captain Cook Highway
• Temporary beach access restrictions near exclusion zones
• Pedestrian and traffic management around active work areas
• Machinery and heavy vehicle operations for sand transport.
The works provide for the Killaloe site to be ready for the next round of Port Douglas boat harbour dredging and supports MSQ’s role in keeping our waterways clean and safe.
Local contractor Beau Con Earthworks, based in Craiglie, has been awarded the contract to carry out the work in what is a boost for local jobs and keeping investment in the region, Mr Kempton has said.
The work will be carried out in close consultation with Douglas Shire Council. Traffic control and safety measures will be in place at beach access points to minimise disruptions and ensure the safety of the community.
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