Contract - ITS2-00225.

Contract for the delivery of dredging services under the Lower Yarra River Maintenance Dredging Program including at sites centred around fixed and floating landings, wharfs, floating pontoons, and the main navigational channel. 

The Services are for two (2) fixed dredging campaigns – the Campaign A Services and the Campaign B Services which each have fixed commencement and completion dates.  The Principal has the sole discretion to award further tranches of the Services, namely the Campaign C Services and Further Services. The Sites relevant to the Campaign C Services and Further Services have not yet been determined and amongst other things will be subject to priorities at the time, the rate of siltation of previous Sites and budget availability.  If directed, the Campaign C Services and Further Services will also have fixed commencement and completion dates.

Parks Victoria is the waterway manager for the Yarra River (under the Marine Safety Act 2010 (Vic)) and is responsible for ensuring safe navigation. Parks Victoria manages several fixed and floating landings as well as the navigational channel of the lower Yarra River. The gradual accretion of silt and sediment has led to a reduction in channel width and depth for some parts of the river resulting in restricted safe navigational access to facilities.

The Victorian Government has provided funding to improve commercial and recreational access along the Lower Yarra River through dredging.  This represents the biggest investment into the Yarra River since the 2006 Commonwealth Games. The funding boost means that the precinct will be maintained as a prominent landmark in Melbourne CBD and acknowledges its contribution to the modern culture and social vibrancy of Melbourne.

The aim of the Lower Yarra River Maintenance Dredging Program is to reinstate sufficient water depth at prioritised areas in a manner that minimises disturbance to stakeholders, is consistent with Government guidance and policy and is conducted in a safe and environmentally sustainable manner. 

Dredging sites are centred around fixed and floating landings as well as the navigational channel.  The Services will entail dredging at an estimated 4-6 dredging sites per year. As a general indication, each dredge campaign will be undertaken over an estimated period of 4-9 months, removing around an estimated volume of 8 000m3 per dredge campaign.  The required pumping distance for disposal ranges between 300-3,500m depending on the dredging site. The project area for the Lower Yarra River Maintenance Dredging Program extends between the Bolte Bridge and Burnley Harbour.

The Agreement sum is a fixed cost for Dredging Campaigns A and B and has a total value of $1.7635M (excl. GST) / $1.93985M (incl. GST), with a schedule of rates.