Community Update - April 2024
The City of Busselton continues to work through its 6 staged-approach of sediment removal, established in 2022, with locations for each stage chosen based on water quality and priority.
The completion of the Stage 2 sediment removal in June 2023 saw approximately 670t of dry sediment removed. This sediment was laid to semi-dry in collection bags before being laid out on an Acid Sulphate Soils (AA) treatment pad at the Busselton Waste Transfer Station to treat and neutralise it. The City was then able to repurpose the sediment as daily cover at the Dunsborough Waste Facility. The Department of Water and Environment Regulation (DWER) continue to monitor the water in the river to ensure effectiveness of the current sediment removal program. It was found during Stages 1 and 2 that pH levels and the clarity of the water were kept within acceptable ranges throughout the works. This data assists City and DWER officers with ongoing evaluation of the program.
In April 2024 the City advertised a tender for Stage 3 of the sediment removal process and this tender will close on 8 May. Stage 3 will focus on the part of the river near Strelly Street to upstream of the river bend. The total budget for Stage 3 is $938,025, with $407,964 funded by the State NRM Community Stewardship Program.
Stage 3 of sediment removal will occur along Strelly Street to upstream of the river bend. The City of Busselton has also collaborated with DWER to develop a Water Treatment Assessment Framework ensuring decision-making on the management of the waterways (Lower Vasse River and Toby Inlet) is scientifically robust and evidence-based.
Work continues on waterway management and further updates will be provided when available.
