General News
15 July, 2026
Port’s dredging nearer
ANOTHER step has been taken towards the Port Hinchinbrook revitalisation project, with a “market sounding” to find the right contractor to do the major dredging works.
While final numbers are still being worked out, the upcoming scope of the job is substantial, expected to involve dredging between 400,000 to 800,000 cubic metres of material from the marina and connected waterways, including Stony (One Mile) Creek.
The project also involves preparation of onshore bunds to contain the dredging spoil, civil works and sediment treatment.
On behalf of the state government body responsible for the revitalisation, Economic Development Queensland (EDQ) has engaged two firms – International Coastal Management (ICM) and RPS – to undertake the market sounding process.
The phase closes on 17 July and a suitable contractor is expected to be appointed soon after.
“The purpose of this process is to understand the current market’s interest, availability, capability, resources, equipment access and relevant experience to support the proposed dredging, bund preparation, sediment treatment and material management works at Port Hinchinbrook,” ICM’s website says.
“Due to the nature, scale and sequencing of the works, EDQ, ICM and RPS are seeking feedback from contractors who are willing and able to take on the whole of project scope.
“The project is expected to require a dredging-led delivery model, with the lead contractor responsible for coordinating the marine dredging works, onshore sediment treatment areas, civil works, acid sulphate soil management, water management, environmental controls, material handling, disposal or reuse pathways and associated subcontractors.
“This market sounding is therefore primarily directed at dredging contractors or dredging-led contractor teams with the capability, capacity, resources and experience to lead and coordinate the full package of works.”
Local subcontractors, suppliers, civil contractors, plant providers, transport operators, treatment specialists and other service providers, who may be able to assist a lead contractor, are encouraged by ICM to provide their details.
The state government for the first time revealed the expected expenditure on the Port Hinchinbrook revitalisation project in its 2026-27 budget – $64 million over two years, mainly for the dredging and associated works and “to restore safe navigability, address longstanding environmental liabilities and enable activation of the Port Hinchinbrook provisional priority development area.”
EDQ previously told The Observer it is restoring the 140-hectare site “to ensure long-term economic benefits for the broader Cardwell and Cassowary Coast region.”
Although the state has taken over responsibility for the costs of dredging, EDQ said it “continues to work closely with Cassowary Coast Regional Council, government agencies, industry and other stakeholders to coordinate planning and future works.”
“EDQ’s focus within the PPDA is restoring safe and reliable waterway access, improving boating safety, addressing environmental issues and supporting the long-term revitalisation of Port Hinchinbrook and the broader region,” an EDQ spokesman said at the time.
Read More: Cardwell