What is Exercise Dumaresq 2024?
Exercise Dumaresq 2024 will take place on October 29-30 along the Gold Coast, Queensland, and Tweed Coast, New South Wales. This marine safety drill brings together agencies like the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA), Transport for NSW (TfNSW), and Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ). The goal is to practice how Australia responds to marine pollution emergencies, as outlined by the National Plan for Maritime Environment Emergencies 2020.
What Will Happen During the Exercise?
The exercise will simulate an oil spill from a ship, with the oil spreading onto beaches and into waterways. The spill response teams will act as if this is a Level 3 pollution event—the most serious type of incident. Various teams will respond, including:
- Shoreline cleanup units
- Wildlife protection groups
- Marine response crews
- Hazardous Noxious Substance (HNS) teams
Participants will practice handling the situation in real time over two days from 8 AM to 5 PM (AEDT).
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Will the Exercise Affect the Environment or Daily Life?
No harm to wildlife or environment:
This exercise will not involve real toxic substances, so there is no risk to wildlife or marine life.
Minimal beach impact:
Some beach areas might be used for the simulation, but no major roads or pathways will be closed. There will be extra vessels on the water, but no coastal waters will be closed.
Noise levels:
The exercise is expected to cause minimal noise and won’t disrupt the peace in the area.
Impact on residents and businesses:
Residents and businesses in the Gold Coast and Tweed Coast areas have been informed in advance. Any inconvenience will be kept to a minimum.
What Boaters and Fishers Need to Know
- There will be some restrictions on boating and fishing in the area.
- Temporary exclusion zones will be set up, and this will be communicated through a Notice to Mariners.
Where Will the Exercise Take Place?
Participants will work on the water and at several beach locations, including:
- Currumbin Creek (between Thrower Drive and the Estuary Bridge)
- Roughton Park, Queensland
- Kingscliff and Fingal Head, New South Wales
During the exercise, you may see workers in protective gear and more marine traffic than usual.
What Happens If a Real Emergency Occurs?
If a real marine pollution emergency happens during the exercise, the involved agencies are prepared to respond immediately.
Why Does Australia Hold Marine Pollution Drills?
Every ship sailing through Australian waters poses a small chance of causing a marine pollution incident. While major incidents are rare, they could have a large impact on the environment, economy, and tourism.
The Gold Coast and Tweed Coast are popular tourist areas with rich ecosystems, making them vulnerable to pollution. Regular drills like Exercise Dumaresq help keep response teams ready for emergencies.
What Makes Exercise Dumaresq Special?
This exercise is named after the Dumaresq River, which forms part of the border between Queensland and New South Wales. The name highlights the importance of cooperation between states during cross-border emergencies.
Conclusion
Exercise Dumaresq 2024 is an important safety drill to prepare for marine pollution emergencies. With 250 people involved across two states, the event will practice Australia’s ability to respond quickly and efficiently to protect coastal environments and wildlife. Though some boating and fishing activities may be limited, the drill will not cause major disruptions for residents or visitors.