Posted on September 3, 2025
Council has now received the marine engineers report of the Sand & Dredge Management Plan for the Cape Jaffa Anchorage Marina, commissioned through Magryn & Associates, which is available for public viewing below:
Sand & Dredge Management Plan – Cape Jaffa Anchorage Marina
The report recommends removal/relocation of approximately 850,000m3 across an 8-10 year window, to effectively develop a significant sand trap and return the shoreline to the western side of the groyne to a state where Councils realistic annual program can effectively manage and maintain the marina mouth being navigable all year round, combatting updated annual average sand drift to the area.
The report provides significant background and detail on significant dredging campaigns undertaken by Council in recent years, in attempts to address the issue. The report also documents the significant negative effect of storm activity in September 2024 that negated those endeavours, further exacerbated by the cessation of further dredging, which was planned for in early 2025, due to EPA water quality concerns and the further storm impacts in May-July 2025 that have rendered the marina mouth currently unnavigable.
Council will now seek discussions with the State Government on recommendations within the plan with the intent to develop and implement a long-term sustainable approach to overcome and manage annual sand accretion to the marina environment.
Council also commissioned an Economic Impact Assessment as supporting reference of the significant economic impact the operation of the marina provides, including the important contribution made by the professional fishing sector, among other positive impacts for the state and locally. A copy of the Economic Impact Assessment is available below:
Economic Impact Assessment – Cape Jaffa Anchorage Marina
In the short term, Council is liaising with its dredging contractor Maritime Constructions on dates for dredging activity to be undertaken to enable re-opening of the marina ahead of the upcoming summer period.
At this time, it is hoped to secure and commit to the program in approximately mid-October, subject to seasonal conditions, to ensure the program is not compromised and the marina is not at risk of further closure in the Summer period.
The dredging works will occur across an approximate four-week program and once dates for the imminent dredging program are finalised we will notify the community prior to commencement.
Council will not be processing any boat ramp permits for this year until the marina can be safely re-open.
A further community update will be provided in due course and a community forum also facilitated on all matters related to Cape Jaffa, when relevant information updates can be provided.
