The Finocchiaro CLP Government has delivered ahead of schedule on critical marine infrastructure works at Cullen Bay, completing urgent maintenance dredging two weeks early and restoring ferry access for Territory communities.
The project was fast-tracked by 12 months following accelerated silt build-up in the entrance channel and basin, which had disrupted ferry services during low tides, particularly for deeper draft vessels.
The dredging works began on 30 May 2025 and have now been completed. All ferry services were reinstated two weeks earlier than originally planned.
Minister for Logistics and Infrastructure, Bill Yan, said the early completion was a direct result of the Government's commitment to act early and deliver certainty for Territorians.
"In our year of action, certainty and security, we got in early and got the job done," Minister Yan said.
"Thanks to coordination between the dredging contractor, SeaLink and Cullen Bay Marina, the project was completed three weeks ahead of schedule with minimal disruption.
"We thank ferry users, local residents and businesses in Cullen Bay, Wagait Beach and Belyuen for their patience as we worked to get services back on track so Territorians can get back to enjoying the unique Territory lifestyle.
The NT Government worked closely with SMC Marine and Maritime Constructions to maintain access throughout the dredging, with only minimal early impacts to non-peak services.
The project met all environmental requirements, with rigorous water quality monitoring and no incidents recorded.
"There is now all-tide access to the Cullen Bay ferry facility for existing SeaLink vessels," Minister Yan said.
Pete Philipp, Director of SMC Marine, said they are proud to have worked with the Northern Territory Government and Cullen Bay stakeholders to deliver a project that benefits the community.
"To safely complete the works ahead of schedule in such a busy marina environment is a testament to the professionalism of the Maritime Constructions dredge crew and key operational users, SeaLink, the Cullen Bay lockmaster, marina users, Fisheries NT, and the Department of Logistics and Infrastructure.
"SMC Marine is an Australian family-owned company that enjoys solving complex marine infrastructure challenges collaboratively with clients across the country."
