Anglesea River mouth opened to prevent flooding

THE Surf Coast Shire has opened the mouth of the Anglesea River to prevent localised flooding.
The council made the decision to open the estuary after consulting with the Corangamite Catchment Management Authority (CMA).
Corangamite CMA estuaries and environmental water officer Hayley Vinden said the river had been opened to prevent the heightened water levels damaging infrastructure.
“The boathouses next to the Great Ocean Road bridge were inundated with water, and the roads parallel to the Anglesea River (Bingley Parade and River Reserve Road) were close to inundation.”
When Painkalac Creek was opened in Aireys Inlet the previous week, the Corangamite CMA organised with Barwon Water to release a fresh pulse of water from the Painkalac Dam to coincide with the estuary opening. This helped ensure the water quality remained largely the same, and any potentially negative impacts on the environment from opening the estuary would be limited.
While there was no decommissioned dam for water to be taken from as there was with the Painkalac Creek opening, the Corangamite CMA, Barwon Water and the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) were able to take measures to ensure the river’s health.
For nearly 50 years, Alcoa extracted groundwater from the Anglesea mine for use in the power station and then discharged it into the river, but this ended in 2016, shortly after the mine’s closure.
Ms Vinden said water from the river had been stored during the winter to ensure its quality.
“To help maintain river levels throughout the year, water is extracted during winter months and stored for release over summer by Barwon Water on behalf of DELWP and the Corangamite CMA.
“This has significant benefits for the ecosystem and prevents the potential activation of acid sulfate soils, found in the lower reaches of the river.”
Ms Vinden said there had been no fish deaths reported.
If you do notice any fish, crustaceans or eels that are dead or struggling, phone the Environment Protection Authority Victoria on 1300 372 842 (1300 EPA VIC).