Hundreds of anglers have taken part in the 20th annual Barra Bonanza at Cardwell, a two-day catch-and-release event that drew record numbers this year. Boats must launch from Port Hinchinbrook before the tide makes the channel inaccessible, after silt and mud have limited access since Cyclone Yasi in 2011. The state government has allocated $64 million to restore the port, including dredging, and early works are complete. Local fishing club figures say the project would revive the town's economy, while environmentalist John Mewing has warned dredging could harm waterways and marine life near a World Heritage Area.
The Kirra dredge and its workboats have left Inverloch for Middle Park, where a similar sand renourishment project is set to start by the end of the week. Dredging at Inverloch finished in September, when sand was pumped from Anderson Inlet onto the eroded surf beach. Dune monitoring will now run on a rolling schedule, with drone flights about every six weeks and ground measurements from Point Norman to Flat Rocks. The City of Port Phillip says Middle Park's work has been delayed, and dredging is expected to finish by the end of November, weather permitting.
The Myall River Action Group has called for urgent action on dangerous sand shoals in the Myall River, which have caused boat accidents and hospitalisations. The group took local and government representatives on a tour to highlight the issue, particularly the stretch from Tea Gardens to Black Oak. Maritime Infrastructure Delivery Office and Mid Coast Council representatives acknowledged the need for urgent attention, including a hydro survey and potential dredging. The river is crucial for tourism, commercial fishing, and access to the Ramsar-listed Myall Lakes.
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