Maintenance dredging strategy

The aim of the Maintenance Dredging Strategy for Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area Ports (the Strategy) is to provide a framework for sustainable, leading practice management of maintenance dredging at ports in the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area. The objective of the framework is to build on the current strong regulatory requirements and ensure the ongoing protection of the Reef's values and the continued operating efficiency of ports within the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area.

The Strategy is intended to:

• improve transparency and consistency
• lessen impacts, and improve management, monitoring and reporting
• improve consultation
• improve planning, coordination and regulation to ensure minimal impacts on the Reef and other marine environments.

The Strategy is based on the findings of a Technical Supporting Document and consultation with the port authorities, environmental groups and regulators from the Queensland and Australian Governments.

With 17 key guiding principles and 5 targeted actions, the strategy ensures maintenance dredging continues in an environmentally sustainable manner and provides safe and efficient navigation within Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area ports.

The Strategy includes a standardised approach to the long-term planning of maintenance dredging:

• develop a knowledge base to:
• forecast sediment effects on port operations
• assess environmental and social values.
• review management options to:
• avoid or reduce the need for dredging
• identify opportunities for beneficial reuse, on-shore placement and at-sea placement of material.
• select the suitable options, including:
• comparative analysis to determine the most appropriate option/s
• development of a Long Term Management Plan
• obtain regulatory approvals.
• implement the preferred option:
• implement and monitor the impacts of the approved solution/s
• adaptively manage and report.
• consult with stakeholders.

Reviewing the strategy

In 2024, we reviewed the Strategy. This review involved examining how ports in the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area apply the Strategy's principles, whether the actions have been completed, and consultation with key stakeholders.

The review:

• found the actions in the Strategy are complete
• found the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area ports are applying the Strategy's principles
• identified 4 new recommendations for the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area ports and the Queensland Ports Association to implement.

Implementation of the Strategy and review recommendations will continue to ensure the ongoing protection of the Great Barrier Reef's Outstanding Universal Value. It will also ensure the efficient operation of ports in the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area.

Related information:

• Maintenance Dredging Strategy for Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area Ports
• Maintenance Dredging Strategy for Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area Ports: Technical Supporting Document
• Guidelines for Long-term Maintenance Dredging Management Plans
• 2024 Review of the Maintenance Dredging Strategy for Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area Ports
• Maintenance dredging of Queensland ports