Boskalis Australia Proposes Major Sand Dredging Operation in Cambridge Gulf
A proposed marine sand sourcing operation in Western Australia's remote Kimberley region has drawn both conditional approval and community concern.
"The plan involves dredging up to 70 million cubic metres of sand over 15 years for export to Asia."
Location and Scale
The project would be located in Cambridge Gulf, a 100-square-kilometre area approximately 3,000 km north of Perth. A sand production vessel is slated to operate 52 days per year, removing roughly 40 cm of sand per cycle. Over the 15-year lifespan, this is expected to result in a depth reduction of about one metre.
Company Assurances and Natural Replenishment
Boskalis Australia asserts that natural sand inflow from local tributaries, estimated at 10–15 million cubic metres annually, will replenish the dredged area. The company also claims the site hosts minimal marine wildlife due to the region's large tidal range and dynamic sand movement.
Infrastructure
According to the proposal, no permanent marine or shore-based infrastructure will be constructed as part of the operation.
Community Opposition
Local fisherman Brad Pasfield has voiced strong concerns over potential ecosystem impacts. He stated that residents felt "blindsided" by a lack of consultation. Pasfield attended public meetings held in Kununurra and Wyndham to address the issue.
"Residents felt blindsided by a lack of consultation."
Company Response
Boskalis Australia General Manager Alwin van den Bosch acknowledged that public communication had been inadequate. However, he maintained that the operation will have no significant environmental impact. Van den Bosch noted that consultation efforts began in 2022 and are ongoing.
Regulatory Process and Timeline
- November 2024: The WA Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) granted the project conditional approval.
- December 2024: The official appeal period closed.
- Current Status: The Office of the Appeals Convenor is now assessing the appeals and will make recommendations to the state environment minister, who holds the final decision.
- Outlook: A state government spokesperson indicated that recommendations may be submitted sometime in 2025.