Posted on November 12, 2025
The water at a famous Melbourne beach has been turned into smelly black sludge due to nearby dredging works.
St Kilda beach and the marina are almost unrecognisable today as the popular coastline undergoes a week-long operation to deepen the St Kilda Marina Entrance Channel.
Authorities have warned dredging can result in discoloured water and sand with high microbial levels.
Residents and visitors have been urged to avoid contact with the water until the dredging works are complete.
The beach at St Kilda is also emitting an odour due a broken sewage pipe on Acland Street.
The Environment Protection Authority (EPA) in Victoria said the discolouring impact of dredging was “short-lived” and only took place while sand was being deposited.
“The deposited sand on the beach will appear as black sediment and will also enter the water causing dark discolouration,” the EPA said.
“There may be odour along the beach as well.”
In a statement shared with Nine.com.au, the City of Port Phillip Council chief executive Chris Carroll said regular dredging in the St Kilda Marina was required to maintain water depth.
“AMDC has received the required Works Permit from Parks Victoria (PV) and approval from the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) required under the Marine and Coastal Act 2018,” Caroll said.
“The works are being conducted in accordance with EPA guidelines.
“As the seabed is being disturbed by the dredging works, the surrounding water has a darkened appearance.
“Dredged material is being transported via pipeline to the beach north of Shakespeare Grove drain for beach renourishment, which is consistent with previous practice.”
Residents and visitors have been urged to avoid contact until the dredging works are complete. (Joe Armao)
Dredging is a common practice which is used to deepen river channels or marinas so boats can safely pass through.
Dredged sand is deposited onto adjacent beaches during the process and can contribute to beach renourishment.
The EPA has also warned many swimming spots across Melbourne and the Mornington Peninsula still poor water quality due to recent storms.
St Kilda Beach, Elwood Beach, Brighton Beach and Hampton Beach are among the spots still impacted by storm polution.
For more information for where it is safe to swim, visit the EPA’s website.
