Barwon River closed to public as flooding continues

THE Barwon River between Highton and Moolap has been declared off limits to the public for four weeks due to public health and safety concerns and rowing clubs report being inundated for the fourth time in as many weeks.

With the river above minor flood levels for prolonged periods over the last two months and rising again last week, Maritime Safety Victoria issued the exclusion zone on Friday last week and said it will remain in effect until December 17.

The Corangamite Catchment Management Authority (CCMA) asked people to avoid walking and cycling paths and public reserves that adjoin the river until water recedes and the areas can be cleaned up.

The CCMA issued a statement that said community concern around bacteria within the waterway had prompted it to test for enterococci, a microbial indicator for recreational water quality, and that it will advise the public when it is safe to reopen the river for recreational use.

“The Corangamite CMA understands that the Barwon River is an important recreational corridor for the local community and will be working as quickly as possible to restore safe access when flood waters recede,” the statement said.

The authority said rain gauges on upper tributaries that flow into the Barwon River all measured record highs for October rainfall.

A statement from Rowing Geelong said that while boatsheds had been inundated for the fourth time in as many weeks, there was no damage to the sheds or equipment, “due to the diligence, preparedness and hard work of our members and volunteers,” who in mid-October helped move boats and equipment out of flood risk zones.