An investigative drilling program has commenced at the Port of Burnie, as TasPorts looks towards further investment at the Port. The program will provide insight into the underlying geological conditions within Burnie's port zone.
Posted
22 February 2023
This week saw the commencement of an investigative drilling program at the Port of Burnie, as TasPorts looks towards further investment at the Port.
TasPorts CEO Anthony Donald said the program - which will take approximately 12 weeks - lays the foundation for the delivery of TasPorts’ vision for the Port of Burnie as per its Burnie Gateway initiative.
“We are currently undertaking a comprehensive geotechnical drilling program to confirm the underlying geological conditions with Burnie’s port zone. The resultant data will then be analysed so that informed planning for a capital dredging program can be undertaken,” Mr Donald said.
“Marine-based drilling operations are being conducted by our contractor, BridgePro from a barge transiting across port waters. Works commenced on 21 February and will run through until May.
“Immediately following the marine-based program, four weeks of land-based drilling is scheduled to commence. This land-based program will be performed by our contractors, GHD and consist of numerous drills across the port zone,” Mr Donald said.
The Port of Burnie is a major Tasmanian deep-water port and supports a variety of industries, including mining, forestry, container freight, fuel and tourism. The delivery of the Gateway initiative is of critical importance to the State of Tasmania, ensuring a suitable working port, terminal and berthing space for the next 30 years.
These works, while incorporating large machinery, are unlikely to have any noticeable audible noise or other impacts on the community. All works will be undertaken during the hours of 6.30am-6.30pm.
The Burnie Gateway initiative has been included in Infrastructure Australia's Priority List, recognising its national significance. Concept plans and the business case for the initiative are currently being furthered, following a $5 million commitment by the Tasmanian Government.