C4 stands firmly against the proposed dredging of Port Hinchinbrook and advocates for relocating the public boat ramp to a more accessible and less ecologically disruptive location.
Read about the dredging plans here
Environmental Concerns: A fragile ecosystem at stake
The Hinchinbrook region is a biodiversity hotspot, home to iconic species such as the dugong, green sea turtle, and the critically endangered southern cassowary. It is also part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Dredging in this sensitive environment poses significant risks:
- Habitat Destruction: Dredging disrupts the seafloor, destroying crucial habitats like seagrass beds that serve as feeding grounds for dugongs and turtles. These habitats are already under stress from climate change and pollution.
- Sediment Plumes: Dredging releases sediment plumes that can smother coral reefs and reduce water quality. Increased turbidity limits light penetration, adversely affecting photosynthesis in corals and seagrass.
- Pollutant Release: The seabed often contains accumulated pollutants such as heavy metals and chemicals. Dredging can release these into the water column, exacerbating toxicity levels and threatening marine life.
- Sediment Disposal: A critical but often overlooked aspect of dredging is the question of sediment disposal. Whether the dredged material is deposited on land or at sea, both options come with significant environmental concerns.
- Disposal at Sea: Dumping dredged sediment at sea can lead to severe ecological disruptions. Sediment plumes can spread far beyond the disposal site, smothering coral reefs, seagrass beds, and other sensitive marine habitats. The turbidity caused by sediment clouds can reduce light penetration, negatively affecting photosynthetic organisms like corals and seagrasses. Additionally, dredged material may contain pollutants such as heavy metals, hydrocarbons, or other contaminants that can leach into the marine environment, harming marine life and potentially entering the food chain.
- Disposal on Land: Disposing of dredged sediment on land is not without its challenges. It often requires significant land clearing, further degrading terrestrial ecosystems. Within the Cassowary Coast, where rainforests and wetlands are already under pressure, creating space for sediment dumps could destroy vital cassowary habitats or disrupt local waterways. Moreover, dredged sediment is often waterlogged and contaminated, posing risks of leaching pollutants into surrounding soil and groundwater systems, which can have long-term implications for agriculture, drinking water supplies, and local biodiversity
- Ecosystem Connectivity: Hinchinbrook Island and its surrounding waters are integral to regional biodiversity. Disruption to these ecosystems could have cascading effects on fish populations, migratory patterns, and the broader marine food web.
Economic Costs: Large and ongoing burden to Cassowary Coast residents
The proposed dredging is not just environmentally damaging it will also impose significant and ongoing financial burdens on the local community.
- High Costs for Maintenance: Dredging is not a one-time expense. The continuous build-up of sediment necessitates regular maintenance dredging, potentially creating a financial sinkhole for ratepayers and local councils.
- Impact on Tourism: The Cassowary Coast thrives on eco-tourism. Visitors are drawn to the area for its unspoilt beaches, vibrant marine life, and world-class hiking trails. Dredging could damage the natural attractions that form the backbone of the local economy.
- Profits to Developers: Residents may find themselves bearing the brunt of the costs, while any financial benefits flow to developers and external investors.
C4 opposes the dredging of Port Hinchinbrook and advocates relocating the public boat ramp to a less disruptive, more accessible location. This solution protects our precious environment, supports sustainable tourism, and saves residents from costly, ongoing dredging.
We urge the Council to act decisively for the long-term benefit of our community and natural heritage.