Channel Deepening in Port Phillip Bay
The Port of Melbourne Corporation’s Channel Deepening Project has deepened the main commercial shipping channels in Port Phillip Bay to allow larger container ships to enter the port. Dredging was completed in November 2009..
On 14 December 2007 the Victorian Minister for Environment and Climate Change, Gavin Jennings, approved the project under the Coastal Management Act 1995, subject to three main conditions:
- The Port of Melbourne Corporation must strictly adhere to the project’s comprehensive Environmental Management Plan.
- An Independent Environmental Monitor must be appointed to ensure the project is given the scrutiny it requires.
- The Port of Melbourne Corporation will provide an environmental performance bond of $100 million to ensure the project has a dedicated funding stream to undertaken any remedial action or post dredging recovery if required.
The Project has also obtained approval from the Federal Government under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.
Detailed information about the project can be viewed on the Port of Melbourne Corporation's website.
Environment Minister's consent for use and development of coastal and crown land
Channel Deepening Consent Document
[MS Word Document - 68.0 KB]
The role of the Independent Environmental Monitor
Role of the Independent Environmental Monitor
[PDF File - 52.3 KB]
Information relating to the Office of the Environmental Monitor can be found at Office of the Environmental Monitor
Information on erosion at Portsea beach can be found on the Office's website