S3 E24: Magnetic Island Residents Fight Dredge Spoil Dumping

A group of Magnetic Island residents believes the annual dumping of maintenance dredge spoil by the Port of Townsville may be creating sediment plumes that smother some of the island's pristine bays, coral reefs, and marine life.

And with the port now applying for a 10-year permit to continue the dumping at its current site, they're calling for community members to have their say. 

In this episode of Word on the Reef, we're joined by one of those residents, Gethin Morgan, president of the Magnetic Island Nature Care Association (MINCA), to understand why residents are concerned and what they believe can be done about this issue.

Thumbnail: A Satellite image from 13th July 2025 which MINCA believes shows dredge spoil drifting toward Magnetic Island from the placement area (Supplied: MINCA).

For more information, visit MINCA's website.

Email submissions to: dredging@townsvilleport.com.au 
And copy to the Federal assessors of the application: seadumping@dcceew.gov.au 

The Port of Townsville was also approached for comment. Their written response can be viewed here. You can also find more info at the Port's website: https://www.townsville-port.com.au/environment/dredging-management/application-for-10-year-sea-dumping-permit/