Stranded Carrickalinga wave generator to be sunk, turned into artificial reef
For years, Carrickalinga residents have demanded a hazardous abandoned wave generator off the coast be removed or even blown up — now it finally will be dealt with.
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A defunct wave generator at Carrickalinga that has become a local “eyesore” will be removed and sunk, as it is recycled into the basis of a new artificial reef.
Transport Minister Stephan Knoll said the State Government was delivering a “win-win solution for the community”, which was expected to be in place by the middle of next year.
The top section of the stranded wave generator at Carrickalinga will be removed and sunk.
Mr Knoll said the new artificial reef will attract marine life to the area.
“This is a real win-win for the community as we remove the eyesore down at Carrickalinga and also create a new artificial reef,” he said.
“Recreational fishers and families can enjoy the benefits of the new artificial reef from fishing through to activities like snorkelling.
“The local community and boat users have had to put up with this eyesore and hazard for over five years now and I’m sure they will be delighted with the win-win solution.
“This means that the remaining structure will be under approximately one metre of water at low tide addressing the local community’s concerns by removing the eyesore.”
The first stage of works will involve removing all the steelwork from the top section, which can be seen above the water’s surface, and unbolting it from the main underwater structure.
Removed steel will be disposed of on land.
The second stage will involve pulling off the upper section that is made mainly out of concrete, and sinking it on to the seabed next to the main structure.
The Government says the solution provides both environmental benefits and is a cost-effective solution when compared to the $8 million price tag of dispose of all materials on-land.
The site will be marked with a lit navigation beacon and a sign advising of a 100-metre
exclusion zone, warning any marine vessels of the wave generator underwater.
The wave generator, owned by defunct company Oceanlinx, sunk in waters off Carrickalinga in March 2014 while being towed from Port Adelaide to Port Macdonnell, creating an eyesore for residents and holiday-makers.