Site Investigations status:

Key Site Investigations activities in both the North and South Zone are complete as follows: 

• Hydrographic survey and report of the lagoon is complete.
• Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP) Measurements have been deployed and retrieval is scheduled for the 7 to 11 November 2024. Wave measurement data will be analysed and documented into a report, refer images below.
• Waste Management Facility contamination test pits were completed by SMEC Engineers on 26 October 2024. Samples analysis testing is in progress to inform the Detailed Site Investigation Report and a Remediation Action Plan. The project team is working closely with the LHIB Waste Management Team and the Environment Protection Authority (EPA).
• North Zone Cadastre and Ecology Surveys are to commence in November and early December 2024 to inform and progress further design work in the North Zone.

Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler Deployment – Wave Measurements

South Zone Infrastructure Assessment concludes:

The site investigations, environmental, engineering and operational assessments have concluded that the proposed marine infrastructure in the South Zone is not viable for the following reasons:

• Significant environmental impact because of the use of an additional passage in the lagoon (Erscotts Passage) in a previously unimpacted area for the construction of the marine infrastructure and ongoing operation of the marine service. 
• World Heritage and Marine Park considerations and constraints.
• Project planning approvals the ability to meet approval and Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) requirements (impacted area vs significant impacts in pristine environment).
• Marine infrastructure wharf structure required at over 170m+  due to the -0.9m seabed contour to maintain keel clearance of the new vessel, results in significantly greater cost.
• Visual impact of a wharf structure of this scale in the lagoon. 
• Community sentiment was greater than 80% against building marine infrastructure in the south zone location.
• Marine operations - more difficult to load and unload cargo due to greater exposure to weather and wave conditions.

Projects Progress includes:

• Master Planning & Authority Approvals - master plan concept options on the North Zone and Waste Management Facility have been presented to the Program Board, Elected Board Members and Community Consultation Group. Approval meeting with the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) was held on 28 October 2024 to discuss the Draft Scoping Report for the Critical State Significant Infrastructure (CSSI).
• Waste Management Facility - concept design plans and technical engineering requirements continue to be progressed by the Project Architect and Engineers. Detailed Site Investigations Report is in progress.
• Marine Infrastructure – engineering analysis and assessment of the existing jetty and barge landing ramp have commenced by SMEC Engineers in the North Zone location.
• Replacement Vessel & Operations – The Expression of Interest (EOI) for New Marine Vessel (Package 1) & Marine Freight Operations (package 2) process has now concluded. Applicants in both packages have been notified of the outcome of the EOI process.
• Biosecurity Infrastructure - finalisation of Biosecurity Functional / Services Brief and workshop session to progress design scope.

Next steps the Program will focus on are:

• Site surveys and technical assessments to progress the planning and design of the North Zone marine infrastructure and cargo laydown area.
• New Marine Vessel - Tender documentation, the Contract and Technical Specification to be finalised for the release of the tender in early 2025. 
• Waste Management Facility, Detailed Site Investigation report to be finalised and approved by the EPA for the facility.
• Community and stakeholder consultation with further community knowledge holders interviews, and preparation of presentation material for the public display on the 3 and 4 December 2024.

For any questions or comments on the Program, please email the team at [email protected]