DREDGING in and around the entrance of Mordialloc Creek will begin this week to clear sand build up that may be a hazard for recreational and commercial boaters.
Beach visitors may notice smells and odours given off by dredged sand that contains seaweed. Parks Victoria will regularly test the sand to ensure there is no risk to public safety.
“The works form part of Parks Victoria’s ongoing dredging program to ensure the continuation of safe boating access within Port Phillip and Western Port,” Parks Victoria local ports and waterways senior manager Victor Teoh said.
“While the dredged sand may look and smell mildly unpleasant when it first comes out of the water, after a few days exposure to the air and sun, the sand will bleach to the normal colour and lose the odour.”
Mariners should observe a 5 knot speed limit in the channel while dredging works are ongoing.
The dredge vessel cannot quickly manoeuvre and all vessel operators should observe the marks on the dredge and pass safely on the side showing two black diamonds.
Maintenance dredging at Mordialloc Creek was last carried out in March and will run for between three to six days, depending upon weather.
See parks.vic.gov.au or call 13 19 63 for more information.
First published in the Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone News – 26 October 2016