Environment Protection, Sand Dredging, Tide Information, Trailing Suction Hopper Dredge,Dredging Pump Sand, Monitoring, Gippsland

April Hamer Replacement

The replacement of the April Hamer is required due to the age of the vessel and the growing cost to maintain her in a seaworthy state. The manner in which she deposits the dredged sand is also a factor that may not be assisting the long term goals of this program,

An important aspect of the LESMP is to determine how efficient the bypass pumps are and what type of Trailing Suction Hopper Dredge (TSHD) is most effective before a decision is made on what is the best replacement for the April Hamer.

It may or may not become evident that dredging could occur in discreet campaigns rather than on a permanent basis, as is currently happening. All these factors and more will be considered before the replacement option can be determined.

Before proceeding with the specifications for a TSHD, Gippsland Ports is required to decide on the preferred option to replace the April Hamer to maintain a safe and navigable entrance to the Gippsland Lakes, and to provide for Gippsland Ports' overall dredging responsibilities.

Options range from Gippsland Ports building, owning and operating a hopper dredge to Gippsland Ports contracting with a dredging provider for the total dredging requirements.

In all options Gippsland Ports would remain responsible for arranging permits for dredging activities, supplying a berth for the TSHD when in Lakes Entrance and hydrographic survey support.

It is anticipated the preferred option to replace the April Hamer will be determined by mid 2009 and the preferred option will then support the final LESMP recommendation after the By Pass Trials are concluded.