Community Feedback on Maintenance Dredge Material Management Survey

We're asking for your Feedback

Introduction:
To ensure safe navigation and all tide access for vessels, Breakwater Marina Townsville must repeatedly "maintenance dredge" it’s Access Channel and Basin in order to remove naturally occurring sediments and place them elsewhere. The sediment to be dredged has been assessed as unconsolidated, fine, silty clay and this characterisation makes it unsuitable for beneficial re-use.
The sediment composition has been formally tested and deemed suitable for both unconfined sea and land placement. Breakwater Marina has exhausted all options for prospects to discharge sediment to land therefore leaving the removal to a designated sea placement area as the only available disposal option.

We want to hear your views on this proposed strategy to discharge sediment to sea.

SECTION 1: DEMOGRAPHICS
Which of the following best describes your connection to the waterways of Townsville?

Other (please specify)

Section 2: AWARENESS & CONTEXT
2.1 Are you familiar with Breakwater Marina, and where it is located?

Not aware

Aware of where it is

Been there a few times

I use this facility a lot

Other (please specify)

2.2 Are you aware that natural coastal processes deposit sediment in the Marina’s Access Channel and Marina Basin causing navigable depths of these areas to shallow year on year?

Very familiar

Somewhat familiar

Not very familiar

Not at all familiar

Section 3: SUPPORT OR OPPOSITION

3.1 Do you agree that naturally occurring sediments that deposit in the Marina Basin and Access Channel lessen the navigable depths for boats to enter and exit the Marina?

Yes

3.2 What would you say are your greatest concerns about navigable depths in the Marina’s Basin and Access Channel that are shallowing over time?

Not having all-tide-access

Not safe

Difficult getting deep draft boats in and out

Potential damage to vessel

Negative impact on tourism and visitation

Makes it difficult to run a commercial or tourism business from the Marina

3.3 Generally speaking, do you support the use of the Townsville designated and scientifically monitored sea placement area for the placement of maintenance dredge material?

3.4 Would you be more likely to support more frequent but smaller maintenance dredge programs or less frequent but larger programs to manage the navigable depths.

Support more frequent but smaller dredge volumes

Support less frequent and larger dredge volumes

Don’t have a preference either way

3.5 Please rate your level of agreement with the following statement: 'Sea placement is an acceptable way to manage dredge material if scientific studies show minimal environmental impact.'

Section 4: ENVIRONMENTAL & ECONOMIC CONCERNS
4.1 What are your biggest concerns regarding sea disposal of dredge material? (Select up to 3)

Impact on water quality (turbidity/cloudiness)

Smothering of seabed habitats (corals/seagrass)

Disruption to marine life (fish, turtles, dolphins)

Movement of sediment to other areas

Potential for contamination (even if tested)

I have no major concerns

Other (please specify)

Thankyou for your time & submitting your feedback. For updates and further information, please visit Our Website