Port MacDonnell Harbour

Tuesday May 11, 2021

Mr BELL (Mount Gambier) (15:11): My question is to the Minister for Transport. Can the minister inform the people of Port MacDonnell when the Port MacDonnell harbour will finally be dredged?

 

The Hon. C.L. WINGARD (Gibson—Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing) (15:12): I don't have the detail of that; it's an operational matter. I will follow it up for the member, but I know that recreational fishing in South Australia is incredibly important. In the last budget, we put $40 million towards looking after rec fishers, to improve jetties and boat ramps, and also $20 million into bridges—so $20 million into each of those pots—

Mr Whetstone interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Member for Chaffey!

The Hon. C.L. WINGARD: —because of the neglect they had been left in by the previous Labor government. We are getting on and fixing it, but I will get the detail back to member.

 

In reply to Mr BELL (Mount Gambier) - 10 June 2021.

 

The Hon. C.L. WINGARD (Gibson—Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing): I have been advised:

The Department for Infrastructure and Transport (DIT) undertakes regular hydrographic surveys of the Port MacDonnell boat haven to monitor sand and wrack material (drifting dead seagrass and marine algae) movement.

These surveys have identified that a significant amount of wrack material has accumulated in the boat haven in the vicinity of the boat ramp, wharf and within the marked channel. Sand has also accumulated in the area near the end of the breakwater. DIT intends to dredge these areas.

DIT is working with the Environment Protection Authority to identify suitable dredging methodologies to enable the dredging program to commence. A timeline for the dredging program cannot be developed for the program until this has occurred.

To facilitate safe access to the landing area and boat ramp at Port MacDonnell, a safe navigable channel is marked by lit lateral beacons in line with international guidelines. The channel and its depth are also documented on official navigational charts issued by the Australian Hydrographic Office. Like all harbours and waters around the state, the safe operational depth is governed by the rise and fall of the tide and safe under keel clearance is the responsibility of the vessel operator.