The Gold Coast Waterways Authority (GCWA) requires a suitably experienced and resourced contractor for the dredging of the Canaipa Passage navigation channel at Jacobs Well and deposition of sand into an approved nourishment area on the Western Foreshore of North Stradbroke Island adjacent to the dredge area.

The GCWA is responsible for developing and maintaining destinations and navigation channels throughout the waterways of the Gold Coast. The Canaipa Passage navigation channel is located in the Main Channel North being the main navigation channel between the Gold Coast and Brisbane. Shoaling has occurred in Areas A and B of the navigation channel (refer to Appendix A Aerial Locality Map).

The GCWA are looking to dredge the channel to a depth of -2.5m LAT with a 0.3m over dredge allowance. Approximately 6,130 cubic metres of sand will be dredged to achieve this depth. The sand will be placed into an approved nourishment area on the western Foreshore of North Stradbroke Island adjacent to the dredge area. The channel will be dredged using a cutter suction dredge and sand will be pumped via a pipeline to the nourishment area. The Canaipa Passage navigation channel was last dredged in 2014 and sand from that campaign was deposited in the same area which is being proposed for this campaign.

Hydrographic survey of the Canaipa Passage navigation channel Areas A and B has been completed by Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) Department of Transport and Main Roads (DTMR) (refer to Appendix E Hydrographic Survey). Pre dredge survey of both areas will be arranged by GCWA through MSQ prior to commencement of dredging works and will be provided to the contractor.

GCWA have developed a Sand Management Plan (SMP) and Environmental Management Framework (EMF) for managing sand resources in Gold Coast Waters. All of the approvals required for the dredging have been obtained under the SMP/EMF. Under the SMP/EMF the Canaipa Passage is considered to be a green zone. Under the requirements for a green zone an Operational Dredge Management Plan (ODMP) has been developed and submitted to the GCWA Agency Steering Committee (ASC). All aspects of the dredging works must be carried out in accordance with the ODMP and the SMP/EMF (refer to Appendix B Approvals and Permits and Appendix C Preliminary Operational Dredge Management Plan).