Carnarvon Fascine set to be opened after a six-year wait thanks to a dredging plan

After years cut off from the ocean, Carnarvon’s fascine will once again be easily accessible after the State Government announced a $3 million dredging project to clear the sediment blocking local boats.

On March 16 Transport Minister Rita Saffioti announced dredging would be carried out in the middle of 2023, six years after the fascine became clogged by silt as a result of a cyclone.

Since the disaster, most boats have been unable to pass through.

Carnarvon Yacht Club Commodore Rob Meyer said it’s a relief after years spent with limited access.

According to Mr Meyer the club relied on high tides to allow some of its yachts to go out on occasion..

“Its a fantastic move forward for Carnarvon, for the yacht club and the town,” he said.

Carnarvon Shire President Eddie Smith said the Fascine plays an important role in Carnarvon, attracting visiting yachts and being the hub for the Carnarvon Windfest.

“We’ll have an entrance to our playground back, the fascine water is our jewel in the crown,” Mr Smith said.

“It guarantees the health of the water will be maintained as well, and that’s critical.”

“I can’t be happier.”

The plan is part of the $7 million multifaceted Carnarvon Fascine Entryway and Boat Harbour Pen Project, launched in 2020 to improve boat access to the town.

Ms Saffioti said the Transport Department had spent two years assessing the situation to identify the best solution.

“Due to the dynamic nature of the waterway the decision to dredge still brings with it some risk but it will include work to stabilise the sand spit that breached in 2017 to limit the need for future works,” she said.

“Dredging the entrance was considered the best option and when combined with the other initiatives will improve ocean access for vessels and boaties in Carnarvon.”

Mr Smith said that while it has taken a long time for action to be carried out, he understood why the delicate nature of the silt sediment’s movement made finding a solution a difficult task.

“I understand the entrance to the water is very mobile, the Transport Department had to ensure the fix would last a bit of time,” he said.