Dredging Program

352 The Hon. T.A. FRANKS ().6 June 2024).

1. The Premier's statement says that 'the two-month dredging program will collect sand from a nearshore zone between Taperoo and North Haven'. Is the proposed dredging site within the northern management area: Offshore of Largs Bay zone, as described in Appendix C: Review of sand sources of the Scientific Report?

2. What is the average grain size of the sand in the dredging site?

3. How far offshore is 'nearshore'?

4. The panel recommended an offshore dredging timeframe of 'two years for feasibility investigations and approvals, plus up to four months to complete the restoration campaign'. Will this timetable be adhered to?

5. Will DHI be commissioned to provide an updated 2024 report on the sand volume analysis along West Beach?

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector): I am advised:

1. Following additional studies recommended by the panel it has been confirmed that the northern management area near Largs Bay, outlined in appendix C as areas A1–A5, is largely unsuitable for sand recycling due to its sediment and seagrass conditions. Area A3 could be an exception as its sand properties, while slightly coarser, are within an acceptable range. The chosen trial site, known as area B3, was determined during further studies as it has more suitable sand characteristics for recycling purposes.

2. Initial sand testing has shown the sand in area B3 has a median sand size of between 0.125mm and 0.30mm.

3. The nearshore zone identified is about 350 to 400 metres from the shoreline at its deepest point.

4. The panel recommended West Beach be restored with 550,000m³ sand from outside the beach system and that next steps include further investigations with concurrent restoration with quarry sand.

In its evaluation of the available options, the panel estimated that it could take approximately two years to complete feasibility investigations and obtain approvals, with a restoration campaign in the order of 350,000m³ likely to take four months to complete.

The government has instructed the Department for Environment and Water to undertake further investigations into alternative sand sources. This aspect of the project is budgeted for in 2024-25.

5. DHI has been commissioned to provide an updated 2024 report on the sand volume analysis along West Beach.