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The newly
created Rockhampton Harbour Board (RHB) took over port administration in 1896,
with responsibility for maintaining the river to Rocky Point while the government
retained control over the entrance channels. Reflecting local interests inspired
by visions of the port as a world-class facility, the RHB embarked upon the most
ambitious scheme to 'improve' the river. RHB Engineer Richard Schmidt presented
his plans to achieve an impressive 18ft (5.4m) at low water. [Shown on Lindon
Bates' plans.] To do so, Schmidt recommended straightening the river at the Upper
Flats by moving No. 1 wall closer to the south bank.
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He claimed
this would ensure better scouring. He also advocated the construction of some
15 miles of additional walls as others had recommended before him. As well as
stressing the need for paving to prevent ever-increasing bank erosion, Schmidt
advised the board to dredge a new channel at Humbug Reach and to cut across the
narrow base of Pirate Point, to both increase tidal flow and shorten the route.
In addition, he suggested excavating a seven mile canal directly from Thompson's
Point to the flats to shorten the waterway even more and remove all bends except
Devil's Elbow. The cash-strapped RHB could contemplate neither excavation works,
especially the latter at a massive estimated cost of £550,000.3
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