Ports are Australia’s gateways to the world. The move over $1.2 billion dollars of a trade a day and 98 per cent of our annual physical trade. They require clear channels to allow ships to access the Port. These channels accumulate sediment over time which requires maintenance dredging. Australia’s growing population means that Ports need more capacity to bring in a larger volume of goods. Increasing capacity sometimes requires capital dredging projects.
To achieve the best possible environmental outcomes from dredging operations Ports Australia has developed a leading code of practise for dredging and dredge material.
Ports Australia has developed this Code of Practice in consultation with members, port customers, regulators and associated industry representatives (e.g. dredging contractors).
The Code was endorsed by the Ports Australia Board at its meeting on 8 July 2016. Through this Code of Practice, Ports Australia‘s members have endorsed the principles contained in this document and are committed to conducting activities consistent with the Code when planning and undertaking dredging programs.
Ports Australia also invites other stakeholders (for example other port users or customers, governments, dredging contractors) to also demonstrate the same level of environmental responsibility and management in undertaking or supporting dredging programs.
Ports Australia has used current relevant information from Australia and internationally to support the development of this Code of Practice.
This included:
- examples of similar industry codes and guidelines;
- state/territory policies and guidelines;
- published papers and research activities relating to minimising dredging impacts; and
- best practice methodologies, tools, systems etc
