Maintenance Dredging
Maintenance dredging removes naturally accumulated sediment from within the Port’s harbour and navigational channel to return it to its original design depth, and differs to capital dredging, which involves enlarging or deepening navigation channels.
Maintaining safe and efficient navigation is vital to supporting national and international trade, economic development in the Mid West region and its continued connection to global markets.
Integral to our operations is maintaining the balance between the continued development of a sustainable world-class Port, while protecting the unique marine and coastal environment in which we operate.
Why does Mid West Ports need to dredge?
The Commercial Harbour and Channel is a critical piece of infrastructure that supports regional industries such as agriculture, mining, transport and logistics, as well as tourism.
Left unmanaged, our port’s capability would be significantly reduced, with the flow on effect impacting local businesses and our community.
The Mid West Port is also responsible for the management of the Fishing Boat Harbour and its surrounds which serves as the hub for commercial fishing, local tourism and recreational boating. Dredging is undertaken periodically to remove accumulated sediment to maintain operational efficiencies and safe navigable depths.
Public information package
This document provides a high-level overview of dredging at the Port of Geraldton, describing the importance of maintaining dredging activities and the process Mid West Ports used to plan, assess and manage the project. This document is designed for community members and interested parties seeking to understand more.
Public Information Package
2025 FBH Maintenance Dredging
Mid West Ports is currently planning for the maintenance dredging of the FBH entrance and the surrounding area. Approximately 45,000m3 of material is proposed to be removed and beneficially re-used.
This page will continue to be updated for the duration of the project as new information comes to hand.
Environmental Impact Assessments and Management Plans
Environmental Impact Assessment
Environmental Management Plan
Technical Reports
Royal Haskoning DHV; 2021 MWPA Coastal Process Study – 2 parts
BMT Beneficial Use Assessment
Regulatory Requirements
DCCEEW 2009 National Assessment Guidelines for Dredging
Environmental Protection Act 1986
Northern Beaches Stabilisation Program 2006
2022 FBH Maintenance Dredging
In 2022 Mid West Ports completed maintenance dredging of the FBH entrance and its surrounds and removed approximately 22,000m3 of material that was beneficially re-used.
2022 FBH Maintenance Dredging Fact Sheet
Environmental Impact Assessments and Management Plans
Environmental Impact Assessment
Environmental Impact Assessment
Environmental Management Plan
Dredging Environmental Management Plan
Technical appendices
Post-Dredge Water Quality Report
Post-Dredge Benthic Communities and Habitats Report
2021 Maintenance Dredging
In late 2021, Mid West Ports undertook maintenance dredging activities within Port waters to remove accumulated sediments from the Commercial Harbour and Main Shipping Channel. Approximately 140,000m3 of material was successfully removed from navigable areas, mainly the shipping channel.
Mid West Ports will continue to monitor the surrounding environment, including monitoring of our seagrass habitats, over the next two years.
Environmental Impact Assessments and Management Plans