Gold Coast sand dredge breaks down while working on $13.9m sand nourishment program

THE massive sand dredge which has been operating off the Gold Coast in a $14m council beach nourishment project hasn’t pumped any sand for days.

THE massive sand dredge which has been operating offshore of the Gold Coast for the past month has broken down.

The dredge, which has been replenishing sand along the Glitter Strip’s coastline, stopped work yesterday after maintenance issues.

Mechanics are working to get the dredge Balder R working again in the next couple of days.

The dredge has been a tourist attraction but hasn’t pumped any sand for days. Picture: NIGEL HALLETT

It is the second time the 111m barge-mounted dredge has broken down since it began work mid last month, dredging tonnes of sand and pumping it toward beaches.

The breakdown will not cost ratepayers and has not set back the $13.9 million Beach Nourishing Project.

Council engineers said the sand replenished in the 16 weeks operation would benefit the Gold Coast for at least the next 15 years.

The Giant Dredge made for a spectacular sight at Miami when it was pumping. Picture Glenn Hampson

Scientists have claimed the dredge could attract sharks to the Coast, while others have said the sound from dredging could block out the sound of equipment used to protect whales from shark nets.

The dredge is expected to start work again on Thursday in Broadbeach

The beach nourishment project is expected to be completed in October.