Volunteers keep watch on estuary

TORQUAY’S Spring Creek estuary received the all-clear after its monthly health check up in January.

The estuary is approximately two kilometres in length and opens intermittently to the sea, with a raised sandbank building up at times through natural processes to close the mouth. EstuaryWatch volunteers Dawn and Michael Gibbons were at the site on January 6, testing temperatures, salinity, oxygen levels, conductivity and taking photos to give the organisation a clear indication of its condition.

The information is recorded as part of an ongoing monitoring system used to assist waterways management and is available to the public at estuarywatch.com.au.

Ms Gibbons is a new EstuaryWatch volunteer and said being a part of the testing process was highly rewarding.

“It gives me a real sense of achievement to know I am helping to care for my local environment.”