As part of the Channel Enhancement Project planning the Port of Brisbane will undertake marine geotechnical investigations within parts of Moreton Bay including a focus on the North West Channel. Maritime Safety Queensland will issue Notices to Mariners to advise recreational and commercial vessel operators of planned activities.
The works are temporary and will not result in permanent changes to the marine environment or navigation channels. [Alyssa, break here and run full story on a ghost page]
Geotechnical testing is required to address the Terms of Reference (ToR) for the Environmental Impact Statement for the Project and will collect information about seabed conditions. This type of testing within the channel areas has occurred, under Government’s permitting regime, multiple times in recent years.
These investigations will require a marine park permit and are planned to occur from late June to September 2026, conditions permitting.
Understanding the type and strength of marine sediments will help inform the safe design of the Project. Archaeological assessment of the samples will help inform the underwater cultural heritage study, which is also a requirement of the ToR.
The investigations will involve localised sampling activities carried out from a specialised, temporary jack-up barge (18.5m x 18.5m) geotechnical drill rig and survey boats within existing port limits.
These activities may include:
- Drilling of small-diameter (~100mm) boreholes into the seabed with samples collected at selected depths;
- Geophysical survey at selected locations utilising a small boat;
- Limited diver sampling of surface seabed material where required.
Each sampling location is expected to be occupied for a short period only (from a few hours up to two days), after which equipment will be removed and activities will move to the next location.
The investigation will not disturb mangroves, seagrass, reefs or shoreline areas and will be approved as a scientific research activity in the Moreton Bay Marine Park.
Environmental management measures will be in place to control turbidity, prevent spills, and manage waste which will be collected and disposed of at approved facilities onshore.
For further information, community members can contact the Port of Brisbane at channelproject@portbris.com.au.
