The "debate," if one could characterize what has become one of the worlds ugliest conservation and media contests has not risen past one side declaring they will dump dredging spoils into the ocean and the other side declaring they won't.
We would like to propose a simple solution, one that merits a second, even third look.
Three million cubic metres of sand, gravel and mud spoil can be transformed into something that both side might agree upon. It's not a question of money as both sides have spent an estimated $75 million dollars on various campaigns to convince the other.
We are proposing artificial reefs.
More to the point, taking the 3 million cubic metres of sand, gravel and mud and "fixing it in place" by creating a series of art structures designed to create underwater habitat and tourism for the region. The amount of proposed dredged material mixed with a low PH concrete could create an additional 10 square miles of marine habit that also acted as a focus for artists around the region to create unique structures.
Imagine the possibilities.
Step One - Remove the Abbot Point dredged material to the land.
Step Two - Mix the material with a low PH concrete and create art, then reintroduce the new "fixed in place" dredged material art sculptures to regions along the coast in need of new artificial reef habitat.
In case anyone is unsure as to the value of artificial reefs to local economies there's this study you might want to look at - the numbers are very compelling.
At Reef Worlds we see conservation and development through a different set of lenses.
There are solutions to many of the worlds coastal development issues - it takes vision and a willingness to consider a "third way."
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