A two-month dredging campaign is expected to improve navigation and water quality in a major Sunshine Coast waterway.
The dredger Arnhem is set to deepen a channel within the Pumicestone Passage, which has been congested by sand since tidal breakthroughs occurred at Bribie Island in 2022 and 2025.
The work is expected to provide more reliable access for boaties including the Coast Guard.
It represents the final stage of a $25 million emergency works package that also involved filling two of the three breakthroughs and fortifying a stretch of land on the island, to better protect mainland communities from the elements.
The Department of State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning provided a project update that detailed the new dredging operation and its benefits.
“Channel deepening works are anticipated to take approximately eight weeks to complete.”
“During this time, access between the north and south of the passage will be limited due to the location of the dredger.
“These works will allow the Caloundra Coast Guard to return to their headquarters at Bulcock Beach (from a secondary base at Pelican Waters), supporting maritime emergency response and rescues in the area.
“These works will also enhance water circulation, water quality and navigational access for all mariners at the northern end of Pumicestone Passage.’
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A community group, the Pumicestone Passage Catchment Management Body, welcomed the next stage.
“After sustained community advocacy, long-awaited channel deepening works in Pumicestone Passage are about to begin,” the group stated on social media.
“Dredging will focus on deepening the channel to restore safer navigation and improve water flow.
“The PPCMB thanks the community for continuing to stay informed, respectful and safety-focused while these essential works are carried out – and for standing together to ensure action was taken to protect this vital waterway.”
A recommendation to fill the remaining and largest breakthrough has been supported “in principle” by the state government. The old Caloundra Bar, which is now clogged with sand, could be reopened.
The Caloundra Coast Guard and Maritime Safety Queensland have been approached for comment.
A spokesperson for the Department Transport and Main Roads (which incorporates Maritime Safety Queensland) said that the deeper channel would benefit waterway users.
“The planned channel deepening works will improve navigational access, allowing a wider range of vessels to safely transit between the northern section of the Passage and the Coastal Bar.”
All waterway users are encouraged to remain vigilant during the works and to check the Maritime Safety Queensland Notices to Mariners for updates on navigation conditions in the area.
