A salvage operation has been launched to recover a key machine at the site of a $20 million island restoration project.
Workers are trying to recover an excavator that became semi-submerged in sand at northern Bribie Island during the weekend.
The equipment has played a significant role during a state government-led initiative to reinforce northern Bribie Island with sand, including filling two tidal breakthroughs, to protect coastal communities.
Drone operator Damien Lange, of Droner.au, was among the first on the scene early Sunday morning.
“I noticed two earthmoving machines positioned together at their usual refuelling location during low tide,” he said.
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“However, there was no boat refuelling activity, prompting me to investigate further closer.
“It was then that I discovered the excavator half-submerged in the sand.”
Mr Lange, whose footage is above, said it was an unfortunate incident for the project that started a month ago under the guidance of Hall Contracting.
“The workers have demonstrated remarkable dedication, working tirelessly day and night, before this setback occurred,” he said.
They have continued to make progress, despite the event.
“I observed a few hours later, after the tide had come in, that the remaining dozer resumed operations, so that dredging could continue,” Mr Lange said.
The excavator was still in the same spot on Monday morning, when Queensland Premier David Crisafulli and Member for Caloundra Kendall Morton inspected the works site.
Fellow drone operator Doug Bazley, of Bluey’s Photography, captured photos late Sunday.
He spoke to key project personnel, in his role as official photographer, and shared some news via social media.
“There will be a recovery effort made. This will probably be later this week once all the planning comes together,” he said.
“The environment is safe, liquids were removed and all preventive measures were put in place.”
He said Clayton’s Towing would bring in “their big gear” to recover the excavator, while East Coast Plant Hire would introduce another digger to “to continue the great progress they have already made”.
“This incident can happen at any time and I was told there’s nothing to say it won’t happen again: just the nature of the beast,” he said.
“These operators are professional and will be back in action before we know and give us that protection from the wild sea.”
Workers are in a race against time to replenish the island, which was battered by ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred last year, before the summer storms and big swells arrive.
Sunshine Coast News has reached out to the Department of State Development, Infrastructure and Planning, and to Hall Contracting, for comments.
