Less than a week after it began dredging the Ettalong Channel, the Faucon has been taken off the job, with operations paused while a replacement dredge is brought in.
Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch said the Faucon had experienced mechanical issues leading to a brief interruption in the work.
She said Minister for Transport Jo Haylen had quickly sourced a replacement dredge after Faucon sustained damage during the initial works.
“I am glad to see that Faucon’s sister ship – Port Frederick – will be on its way as soon as possible,” Tesch said.
“Faucon is on its way back to her home on the Gold Coast, where crew will have a quick turnaround and then return with a new and improved dredge.
“During Faucon’s time in the Ettalong Channel, the dredge was able to widen the channel, allowing the arrival of Port Frederick, a faster, more effective trailing suction dredge.
“Port Frederick will be back in the Channel in the coming days.
“This dredge was unable to be used in the first instance as it requires a wider channel than was previously present until Faucon’s work commenced.
“Despite the interruption to dredging caused by Faucon’s malfunction, the replacement dredge will be able to complete in one day the work that Faucon was able to complete in two and a half days.
“I am glad to see that this work will not only recommence soon, it will also continue more rapidly.”
In the meantime, the replacement ferry and bus shuttles to Patonga will continue to operate for impacted commuters.
Source:
Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch