Protesters greet giant dredging vessel

The controversial $1 billion project to dredge Port Phillip Bay is on track to start on Friday, following the arrival of the giant dredging vessel, The Queen of The Netherlands.

Before the dredging can begin, however, the Port of Melbourne Corporation (PoMC) must receive final approval from federal Environment Minister Peter Garrett, who is yet to sign off on a crucial environmental management plan (EMP).